Early Influences:
* Her Family: Her parents, particularly her mother, were strong advocates for education and encouraged Nikki's love of reading and writing from a young age.
* The Civil Rights Movement: Growing up in the Jim Crow South, Giovanni witnessed firsthand the injustices and inequalities of the time. This sparked her passion for social justice and fueled her desire to use her voice for positive change.
* Black Literature: Authors like Langston Hughes, Maya Angelou, and Gwendolyn Brooks inspired Giovanni to explore the power of poetry to express the experiences of Black Americans.
Later Influences:
* The Black Arts Movement: Giovanni was a key figure in this movement, which emphasized the importance of Black voices and artistic expression. This period saw her work gaining significant recognition.
* Her Own Life Experiences: Giovanni's personal experiences, including her struggles with racism, sexism, and navigating the complexities of life as a Black woman in America, continue to inform her poetry and make it resonate deeply with readers.
* The World Around Her: Current events, social injustices, and political issues inspire Giovanni to write and speak out against oppression and advocate for equality.
It's important to note that these are just some of the many influences that have shaped Nikki Giovanni's work. Her poetry is complex and layered, reflecting her unique perspective and experiences, as well as the broader social and political context of her time.