Poet Giovanni to speak Nov. 2 as part of UW-Green Bay’s Common Theme
A world-renowned poet, writer, commentator, activist and educator will present a selection of her works at 8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 2 in the Phoenix Room of the University Union at UW-Green Bay, 2420 Nicolet Drive.
Nikki Giovanni’s visit is the keynote event for the 2011-12 UW-Green Bay Common Theme, “Celebrating Differences, Creating Community.” The Common Theme is a yearlong program that engages the campus and larger community in the ideals of a liberal arts education and the UW-Green Bay interdisciplinary mission. It is designed to encourage faculty, staff, students and community members to focus on a general theme from multiple perspectives and have a shared experience with open discussion and critical thinking.
Dubbed the “Princess of Black Poetry” early in her three-decade career, Giovanni is well known for her outspokenness in both writing and lectures. One of the most widely-read American poets, she prides herself on being “a Black American, a daughter, a mother, a professor of English.” Giovanni remains dedicated to the fight for civil rights and equality, and is insistent on presenting the truth as she sees it. She has been called a “national treasure” and was named one of Oprah Winfrey’s 25 “living legends.” Giovanni has written some 30 books for adults and children, and is the recipient of numerous awards and accolades.
Giovanni on Wednesday will read from selected works, conduct a question-and-answer session and, after the program, host a book signing. Her presentation is free and open to the public. For further information, please contact Grant Winslow in UW-Green Bay’s Office of Student Life at (920) 465-5676. Additional information about the Common Theme at UW-Green Bay can be found at www.uwgb.edu/commontheme.
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