2025 SESSION
ENROLLED
SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 229
Celebrating the life of Nikki Giovanni.
Agreed to by the Senate, February 6, 2025
WHEREAS, Nikki Giovanni, an acclaimed poet, activist, University Distinguished Professor Emerita at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, and beloved teacher and mentor to countless students, died on December 9, 2024; and
WHEREAS, Nikki Giovanni was born in Knoxville, Tennessee, and graduated with honors from Fisk University, where she studied history; and
WHEREAS, after graduation, Nikki Giovanni began writing and publishing books of poetry and was a well-known voice of the Black Arts Movement; she ultimately published 20 poetry books and several illustrated children's books; and
WHEREAS, Nikki Giovanni first came to Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) as a visiting professor in the Department of English in 1987, then became a full-time professor in 1989; her words, both written and spoken, marked many of the institution's historic events during her tenure; and
WHEREAS, Nikki Giovanni taught poetry and writing courses and mentored many students, some of whom became award-winning authors; and
WHEREAS, Nikki Giovanni was well known internationally, receiving more than 30 honorary degrees and multiple NAACP Image Awards, and she was also a finalist for a Grammy and for the National Book Award; and
WHEREAS, in 2005, Nikki Giovanni created a Virginia Tech poetry competition named for its benefactor and former university president, the late Charles W. Steger, which awards monetary prizes for student poetry; and
WHEREAS, while Nikki Giovanni retired from Virginia Tech in 2022, she continued writing, performing, and traveling to speak at events; and
WHEREAS, Nikki Giovanni will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by her family, close friends, and the entire Virginia Tech community; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of Virginia hereby note with great sadness the loss of Nikki Giovanni; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Nikki Giovanni as an expression of the Senate of Virginia's respect for her memory and contributions to the Commonwealth.