Literary icon and voice of the Black Arts Movement, Nikki Giovanni, has left an indelible mark on pop culture. Her works transcend the confines of poetry to influence music, film, and television. Check out five ways Giovanni has impacted pop culture inside.
Known for her incisive reflections on Black identity, love, and resistance, Giovanni’s words continue to resonate with generations of creators and audiences alike.
In music, Giovanni’s poetry has been a source of inspiration for countless artists. Common’s song “Poetry” references the late laureate, whom the rapper attributes to his love for the writing style. Similarly, her poem Ego Tripping (There May Be a Reason Why) has been celebrated for its empowering depiction of Black excellence, serving as an undercurrent in various hip-hop and R&B anthems that champion self-love and pride.
Television
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Television has also embraced Giovanni’s profound artistry. A memorable example is an episode of A Different World, where her words served as a backdrop to themes of racial pride and academic resilience. The show often celebrated Blackness, and this episode specifically highlighted the power of poetry in storytelling. Her presence in this iconic show is the perfect example of her her connection to pop culture.
Film
In film, Giovanni’s influence is often woven into scripts and soundtracks that explore themes of identity, social justice, and self-discovery. Documentaries such as Black Is… Black Ain’t have featured her insights, illustrating how her words enrich conversations about culture and community.
And, Beyond…
Beyond specific works, Giovanni’s legacy is evident in how her themes of love, struggle, and empowerment have shaped the narratives in pop culture. Beyoncé’s Lemonade, for instance, echoes Giovanni’s approach to blending the personal with the political, using art to challenge societal norms while celebrating Black womanhood.
Nikki Giovanni’s impact on pop culture is a testament to the timelessness of her work. Her ability to weave universal truths into artistic expression has cemented her role as a cultural cornerstone. Whether through lyrics, screenplays, or performances, Giovanni’s words remain a powerful force shaping the cultural landscape.
Though we lost the beloved poet yesterday (Dec. 9) at 81 years old, her work lives on. She leaves behind her wife, Virginia “Ginney” Fowler, her son and granddaughter.
Check out five pop culture moments influenced by the works of Nikki Giovanni below:
1. "A Different World"
The “Mammy Dearest” episode aired in 1991. Kim, an aspiring doctor recounted how she was called “Mammy” as a child, after she dressed up as a queen. As fans can imagine, this painful memory stuck with her as a young dark skinned Black girl. Meanwhile, Whitley struggled with the new found knowledge that her family had owned slaves. During this episode, Kim triumphantly performed Nikki Giovanni’s “Ego Tripping.” She shed the mammy stereotype and was re-crowned queen.
2. 'The Black Candle (2008)'
Narrated by Maya Angelou, this documentary about Kwanzaa features appearances by Nikki Giovanni, highlighting her role in shaping Black cultural identity.
3. "Poetry" – Common
Common, a rapper known for weaving social consciousness into his lyrics, has cited Nikki Giovanni as an inspiration for his artistry. He further acknowledged her influence in his song “Poetry” from his album, A Beautiful Revolution, Pt. 2.
“My presence is heard, I’m investing in words,” Common raps over Marcus King’s blues guitar fills, “like Nikki Giovanni or Amiri Baraka, Jessica Care Moore, Morgan Parker, Audre Lorde, Toni Morrison, poetry in motion.”
4. The Gospel According to Nikki Giovanni
Giovanni appears on this album by Javon Jackson, and also provides commentary.
5. 'Going to Mars: The Nikki Giovanni Project'
This documentary film was directed by Joe Brewster and Michèle Stephenson. It premiered at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival and was released on HBO in January 2024. Taraji P. Henson voices Giovanni in the film. Henson discovered Giovanni while attending Howard University and has said that Giovanni gave her the courage to be unapologetic. The film includes new and archival footage of Giovanni, as well as recitations of her work.
