Nikki Giovanni’s Black Feeling, Black Talk: A Revolutionary Voice in Poetry
“The Great Pax Whitie” (from Black Feeling, Black Talk ) In the beginning was the word And the word was death And the word was nigger And the word was death to all niggers And the word was death to all life And the word was death to all peace be still. Introduction Nikki Giovanni’s Black Feeling, Black Talk (1968) stands as a cornerstone of African American literature, embodying the fervor of the Civil Rights Movement and the emergence of a bold, unapologetic voice in poetry. This collection marked Giovanni’s debut, introducing the world to her poignant and raw expressions of identity, resistance, and love. In this article, we will explore the significance of Black Feeling, Black Talk , delve into Giovanni’s biography, analyze key themes in her work, and examine its lasting legacy in literature and culture. Biography of Nikki Giovanni Yolande Cornelia Giovanni Jr., famously known as Nikki Giovanni, was born on June 7, 1943, in Knoxville, ...