Podcast Summary: Toure Show - Episode Featuring Nikki Giovanni: "How To Make It In Poetry"

Introduction

In the December 11, 2024 episode of the Toure Show, host Torre engages in a profound conversation with renowned poet Nikki Giovanni. The discussion delves into Nikki's illustrious career, her approach to poetry, personal hardships, and her philosophies on success and life. This episode offers listeners invaluable insights from one of America's greatest poets, making it a must-listen for aspiring writers and poetry enthusiasts.

Nikki Giovanni's Legacy and Career

Nikki Giovanni, at 74 years young, is celebrated as a living legend in American poetry. A prominent figure from the Black Arts Movement of the 1960s, she has authored over 20 books, including seminal works like Ego Trippin and Nikki Rosa. Torre highlights her ability to weave beauty and sensitivity into her work, making the English language sing.

• "With a pen in her hand, Nikki Giovanni is as great as the goddess of Ego Trippin. [02:25]

Her influence extends beyond her writings; as a professor at Virginia Tech since 1987, she has inspired countless students with her joy, wit, and belief that life transcends monetary gains.

Writing Process and Evaluation of Poems

Giovanni shares her organic approach to writing poetry, emphasizing spontaneity over rigid structure. She believes poems should emanate from genuine emotion and experiences rather than stringent outlines.

• "You write a poem based on what you're thinking. ... I have enough sense to know which is which." [43:40]

When evaluating her work, Nikki relies on honesty and her expertise in English, ensuring that each poem serves its intended purpose, whether to evoke emotion or convey a message.

• "I'm an English. I teach English. I know a good poem." [81:18]

Personal Struggles and Learning to Cry

A significant portion of the conversation revolves around Nikki's personal battles, including the loss of close family members and her struggle with lung cancer. These experiences catalyzed her quest to learn how to cry, a deeply personal endeavor she discusses candidly.

• "I finally learned to cry because it's something I've been holding inside." [62:48]

Nikki emphasizes the importance of emotional expression, particularly within the Black community, where stoicism often prevails.

• "I think there is a black stoicism, right, where we expect bad things to happen and we kind of have a stiff upper lip..." [68:10]

Teaching at Virginia Tech

Nikki's tenure at Virginia Tech is marked by her dedication to blending the arts with other disciplines. She expresses a desire to integrate English studies with the university's football program, likening the sport to a ballet and seeking to instill a sense of artistry and maturity in athletes.

• "Football, if you've seen it, is a ballet. And the question is, what's the music." [55:52]

Her approach to teaching is firm yet compassionate, exemplified when she confronted a student she sensed malintent, prioritizing the safety and integrity of her classroom environment.

• "Mr. Cho, you don't know me at all. And I went to see my department head and said that to her..." [60:26]

Views on Success, Failure, and Money

Nikki articulates a philosophy that prioritizes personal fulfillment and meaningful connections over financial success. She criticizes the obsession with money, highlighting its disconnect from true life values.

• "If life is only about money, then what we ought to do is set up a press someplace and run it off. That's not what life is about." [30:22]

Her definition of success revolves around doing a "good job" and contributing positively to the lives of others, rather than chasing fame or wealth.

• "I just want to do a good job and I want to feel like I'm doing my best." [79:59]

Spiritual Sensitivity and Confrontation with a Student

Nikki discusses her heightened spiritual sensitivity, which she believes enables her to perceive underlying emotions and intentions. This sensitivity was pivotal when she sensed the malevolence in a student who later became involved in a tragic event at Virginia Tech.

• "You perceived the evil." [61:57]

She recounts confronting the student with unwavering resolve, choosing to protect her academic environment over maintaining a connection, showcasing her commitment to integrity and safety.

• "I know that I will not have him in my class. I'm not going to be around him." [61:59]

Conclusion

The episode concludes with Nikki reflecting on her continuous journey as a poet and educator. Despite personal losses and health challenges, she remains steadfast in her commitment to poetry and teaching. Her resilience, coupled with her dedication to emotional authenticity, serves as an inspiration to listeners.

• "I'm doing art, but I'm never going to be hungry. And I don't understand the greed." [30:22]

Nikki Giovanni's insights offer a layered understanding of what it means to "make it" in poetry, emphasizing that true success lies in personal growth, emotional honesty, and the impactful sharing of one's voice.

Notable Quotes

• "Ego Trippin, one of the great poems of the century." — Torre [02:25]
• "Black love is black wealth." — Torre [Various timestamps]
• "I just want to do a good job and I want to feel like I'm doing my best." — Torre [79:59]
• "If life is only about money, then what we ought to do is set up a press someplace and run it off." — Torre [30:22]
• "I have to learn to cry so that you can let it out, so that you're not holding it in." — Torre [67:14]
• "I'm doing art, but I'm never going to be hungry. And I don't understand the greed." — Torre [30:22]

Final Thoughts

This episode of the Toure Show encapsulates Nikki Giovanni's multifaceted life as a poet, educator, and resilient individual. Her candid conversations provide a roadmap for aspiring poets and offer a deep dive into the soul of a literary giant. Listeners walk away with not only an appreciation for Nikki's work but also with personal philosophies that transcend the realm of poetry.