CNN
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Renowned poet, activist, author and professor Nikki Giovanni has died. She was 81.

“The acclaimed poet, an icon of the Black Arts Movement whose poems of wit, wonder and wisdom were celebrated in children’s books, on keynote stages and television shows, and in more than two dozen best-selling poetry collections, died peacefully on December 9, 2024 lifelong partner Virginia (Ginney) Fowler at her side,” reads an announcement from her friend and co-author Renée Watson.

“We will forever feel blessed to have shared a legacy and a love with our dear cousin,” Allison Ragan said in a statement on behalf of Giovanni’s family. The statement did not say how Giovanni died.

The passionate and prolific iconoclast, known for her work on civil rights and social issues — particularly gender and race — published dozens of books of poetry, essays and anthologies, as well as more than 10 children’s books, according to a profile on Virginia Tech’s website. where she was Professor Emeritus in the English Department and on the faculty since 1987.

Giovanni won an Emmy for exceptional achievement in documentary film in 2024 for “Going to Mars: The Nikki Giovanni Project” and her latest book of poetry. The last bookPublication is scheduled for fall 2025.

Yolande Cornelia “Nikki” Giovanni was born on June 7, 1943 in Knoxville, Tennessee and graduated from Fisk University in 1967 with a degree in history.

“My dream wasn’t to publish or even become a writer: my dream was to discover something no one else had thought of. I think that’s why I’m a poet. We put things together in a way that no one else can,” Giovanni wrote in a short bio on her website.

“As one of the cultural icons of the Black Arts and Civil Rights movements, she befriended Rosa Parks, Aretha Franklin, James Baldwin, Nina Simone and Muhammad Ali and inspired generations of students, artists, activists, musicians, scientists and others.” People, whether young or old,” says Watson’s announcement about the poet.

Giovanni is survived by her wife Virginia Fowler, her son and granddaughter Thomas and Kai Giovanni, as well as her cousins ​​Allison “Pat” Ragan and Haynes Ford and her nephew Christopher Black.

One of Giovanni’s many poems reflects on her life and eventual death.

“I hope I die warmed by the life I tried to lead,” she wrote.

CNN’s Lisa France contributed to this report.