(NEW YORK)— PEN America issued the following comment on the death of writer Nikki Giovanni:
“PEN America is mourning the death of beloved poet, children’s book author, and civil rights activist Nikki Giovanni. From her rise in the Black Arts Movement to the fight against book bans, Giovanni continuously wrote and spoke out against injustices. Her voice will be greatly missed. We are exceptionally fortunate as readers and writers to have her voluminous body of writing to draw from.”
Giovanni participated in PEN’s tribute to James Baldwin at Lincoln Center in 2015. Her remarks were recorded in this audio file.
About PEN America
PEN America stands at the intersection of literature and human rights to protect free expression in the United States and worldwide. We champion the freedom to write, recognizing the power of the word to transform the world. Our mission is to unite writers and their allies to celebrate creative expression and defend the liberties that make it possible. Learn more at pen.org.
Contact: Suzanne Trimel, [email protected], (201) 247-5057