(HKR-12-10-24) In a recent conversation on Hard Knock Radio, host Davey D sat down with Devorah Major, San Francisco’s Poet Laureate, to reflect on the life and influence of iconic
Nikki Giovanni. Major, a celebrated poet and author herself, discussed her personal journey as a writer, the impact of Giovanni’s work, and the broader legacy of the Black Arts Movement.
Nikki Giovanni’s Influence on Devorah Major
Major shared that she was first inspired to write poetry in the early 1970s by the likes of Nikki Giovanni and Sonia Sanchez, key figures in the Black Arts Movement. Giovanni’s works, especially her powerful poem Ego Tripping, ignited a fire within Major, encouraging her to write from her own heart and soul. Giovanni’s unapologetic approach to expressing her truth was a pivotal moment for Major, who was particularly moved by the poem’s celebration of African heritage and identity.
Major recalled how Giovanni’s work gave her a sense of pride in her own roots, helping her embrace her African ancestry at a time when mainstream narratives often overlooked or erased it. Giovanni’s influence extended beyond her poetry, as Major noted that her fearless expression of self had a lasting effect on the way she approached both her poetry and her activism.
The Evolution of Giovanni’s Poetry
While Giovanni’s early works were revolutionary and fiercely political, Major noted that her later works, especially in the 1990s and beyond, became more self-reflective and introspective. While her poetry softened in its tone, Giovanni remained a vocal advocate for social justice and continued to inspire through her speeches, essays, and even children’s books. Major pointed out that while Giovanni’s poetry may have become gentler, her voice remained powerful, always focused on truth-telling, even as it evolved with the changing times.
Black Arts Movement: A Defining Moment in Poetry
The conversation also delved into the broader context of the Black Arts Movement, with Major recalling her experiences of growing up in San Francisco and being exposed to poets like Baraka and Sonia Sanchez. Major’s connection to the movement was more that of a “younger sister,” learning from and being inspired by the generation before her. Her own involvement with the Black Arts Movement and its ideals helped shape her writing, as she strived to use her poetry to speak truth to power.
For Major, the Black Arts Movement wasn’t just about writing poetry—it was about a sense of cultural responsibility, using language as a tool for revolution and change. This ethos, embedded in Major’s own work, continues to resonate today, inspiring young poets to find their voices and write with intention.
Speaking Your Truth: Major’s Advice for Young Poets
As a mentor to many aspiring poets, Major emphasized the importance of “speaking your own truth.” While she acknowledged that this concept has become somewhat of a cliché, she stressed that it is vital for young poets to write authentically and with integrity. She encouraged them to look at the world through a critical lens and express what they see, as Nikki Giovanni did in her work. However, Major also reminded poets to be mindful of how they express their truths, advising them not to hurt others in the process.
She explained that Giovanni’s poetry was not just about being brash or outspoken but about speaking with purpose. For Major, poetry is not about tearing others down but about uplifting your own story and the stories of those who may not have a voice.
The Influence of Giovanni’s Legacy
Devorah Major’s tribute to Nikki Giovanni extended beyond poetry. Giovanni’s ability to wear multiple hats as a poet, activist, and public intellectual was something Major deeply admired. Giovanni’s career showed that one could be versatile in their craft while staying true to their core values. Major herself embodies this lesson through her multifaceted approach to writing, teaching, and performing, always striving to honor those who came before her while blazing her own trail.
Conclusion
In closing, Devorah Major expressed deep admiration for Nikki Giovanni’s legacy, encouraging listeners to explore her early works, such as Cotton Candy on the Mirror, and to pay attention to the depth and courage of her poetry. Giovanni, according to Major, lived a full life—one that was unapologetic, rich with history, and deeply committed to truth-telling. Her example serves as a beacon for new generations of poets, proving that poetry can be a tool for transformation and empowerment.
As Major continues to write and perform, her work remains a testament to the enduring power of poetry, rooted in the tradition of the Black Arts Movement but continually evolving to meet the challenges of the present. To learn more about Major’s work and upcoming performances, visit her website at devorahmajor.com.