Nikki Giovanni, an American poet, writer, commentator, activist, and educator. One of the world's most well-known African-American poets, her work includes poetry anthologies, poetry recordings, and nonfiction essays, and covers topics ranging from race and social issues to children's literature. She has won numerous awards including an unprecedented 7 NAACP Image Awards. She has been nominated for a Grammy; been a finalist for the National Book Award. Nikki Giovanni has authored 3 New York Times and Los Angeles Times Best Sellers, highly unusual for a poet.