Conversation Talking Baldwin with Nikki Giovanni and Clint Smith

December 21, 2016
Part of Stew & "Heidi's Notes of a Native Song" schedule of events at the CAC.
Nikki Giovanni joins author and poet Clint Smith to recount her friendship with the late James Baldwin.
In the fall of 1971, writer James Baldwin sat down with poet Nikki Giovanni for a conversation of astonishing timeliness today. The event was hosted by the PBS television program Soul! and was eventually published as A Dialogue. Representing two generations--Baldwin was forty-six and Giovanni only twenty-eight-the two writers exchanged a freewheeling conversation on the problems facing Americans, black and white, as well as the troubles besetting the world.
Video by Milo Daemgen

[@fanchonmoore6835]

I am a seventy year black woman who was an activist in the 60's. I, my colleagues survived the movement. We are living decent lives since; we remember Nikki when she was a beautiful young woman, just starting out as a celebrity poet. We loved your poetry then and we love your work and presence now. I met Nikki at an HEB grocery store in Houston, Texas, in one Houston's black communities; she and her agent was there promoting one of her books of poetry; nobody seemed to know her but me. When I saw the book and looked up and saw the sister, Nikki Giovanni, I was stunned and speechless; asked to purchase a copy of the book and asked Nikki to sign it; I bought the book; she signed it. I was in awe and and began t talk with strangers about who Nikki was; they didn't connect; it was like talking to people from another country. I was embarrassed that my people in my home town had no clue or appreciation for such a historical/talented icon; who are still with us/ THANK YOU, SISTER GIOVANNI FOR YOUR SHARING YOUR BRILLIANCE WITH US.

[@wilburharbin1972]

Fanchon Moorem

[@shebeyonnethompson3187]

Man im 25 I just discovered her i pray we meet I need to tak to her im a writer

[@saroyafanniel8932]

No one know of her because we do not have any history curriculum - 'Black', American or otherwise - in the *public* school system that teaches about her, except for Chattel slavery. Slavery is the only narrative presented in the history books published for the grade 5-12 classroom. One will not get the information unless they have African American or Pan African studies in college. Or on your own. That is the case with native Americans and Chinese as well. The USA was built upon the blood , sweat and tears of the indigenous people; and by African (and indigenous) slaves. The Chinese were right by the sides of 'Black' chain gangs laying iron for the railroad conglomerates. Yet scholars and politicians who sit on the boards of these 'associations', and determine the content of educational books, do not have the grace to include these peoples into the history of the country they built. Their grandparents would not have grown rich were not for those cultures. Here we have the arrogance and ignorance of America.

[@cherylwilliams3193]

Love you too.

[@donaldjackson1046]

@@saroyafanniel8932 Then, I would highly suggest that, WE, become those walking and talking historical text books to keep our story alive.

[@machupikachu8349]

I recently watched the dialogue between Nikki Giovanni and James Baldwin... oh my, my soul cried out and I am forever changed.

[@falisali522]

machu pikachu agree 💯 when he talked about the man suffering in silence at work, on the subway in the streets, by the time he gets home he is filled with rage. Therefore he has no love to give to his family

[@nobody8328]

@@falisali522 it doesn't have to be like that, friend.

[@falisali522]

nobody I agree with you and it should never have to be like they didn’t cause him the pain. But unfortunately when a man is broken from the outside world, it’s hard for him.

[@marcuslane3609]

A person has no soul if that classic discussion doesn't move them. 😁

[@simexperience]

Love this lady. This conversation was like sitting, drinking coffee with a wise and loving aunt/grandmother. So warm, so entertaining, so enlightening. I was watching videos of Baldwin and ran across Ms. Givonni. What a disservice the education system has afforded our people. Why is she not in our history books. Travesty. It is up to us, by us, for us.

[@mrlij6534]

Her speaking cadence is the same but just older, i like that. i like the way people use to speak back then, we need that back.

[@cornellharris3477]

I'm 73 years old. It's 2019. So I'm a little bit younger than you, Ms. Giovanni. I'm also a writer and speaker. I writi .g a book right now and you are part of my research. You did do your job and you will never cease doing your job.

[@thekingsdaughter6525]

These type of interviews never gets old. What a powerhouse of authenticity!!

[@tomo823]

What a National Black American Treasure Nikki Giovanni is. I LOVE hearing her telling her stories & speaking her/our truths. GREAT Interview & thanks for posting.<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="2880">48:00</a>: "Quit trying to be pleasing to people that no matter what we do are gonna still dislike us" <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="3195">53:15</a> - <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="3385">56:25</a> Her Legacy

[@mountainlinx]

She’s an absolute gift!

[@MichaelWhite-vr8og]

Blues for mr charley fullaudio version james Baldwin

[@MichaelWhite-vr8og]

Blues for mr charley full audio james version

[@myopinion8569]

Great to see the talent in our community being recognized, for a change. We need more of this.

[@_wegota2319_]

I just love Nikki. I just love her and I'm so thankful for her. And Clint, wow, your poetry is beautiful.

[@yannicat123]

I saw Niki perform the poem about Africa in the 70s at the Philly convention center. It is one of the most beautiful and poignant set of words I’ve ever heard in my life! Thank you Ms. Giovanni!

[@shadeedahmad6542]

Nikki Giovanni is soul eternal dancing in the delight of observing another blessed day.

[@gloriamitchell3518]

My heart is full !!

[@denkerdunsmuir3370]

Love Nikki! In your interview with James Baldwin, 1971 your voice reminded me of Whitney Houston. Beautiful! Hope your Libra son learned to take care of himself; such a challenge 4 us Librans. God bless you!

[@munachimchukwuma1479]

I thoroughly enjoyed this, and so I'm grateful to the organizers for making it happen. Thank you.

[@bensonbrett30]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="2112">35:12</a> - <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="2134">35:34</a> "It's ridiculous. We're all human beings....We need to build on the humanity." Exactly. Well summarized, on point.

[@EllieBloo]

I love Nikki Giovanni she’s wonderful! Her work is legendary ❤️

[@DeinemudderHauke]

i was there! What a conversation and yeah I second Nikki as a national american treasure...what smiles she and Clint have

[@startpage717]

Thank you for saying that Nikk...I do the same and people try to make me feel bad saying "Oh, you don't care..." booohooo not true I just feel if you want me to know you would tell me because otherwise "I don't really care about being in your business as I am doing my business..."

[@happylindsay4475]

Wow- his poem had my eyes involuntarily water up... Nikki Giovanni has been 💣 since forever.

[@PoetryMattersProject]

So much love and appreciation for these participants! 🥰😍

[@lakesia4976]

I adore Nikki

[@Snadyda]

I see why growing old is a good idea❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@sexxiehighblue07]

I have a new found love for Nikki

[@brooklynborn35]

She is so cute!! I love her!

[@glaucoma888]

The first question - Girlfriend is as FU as Nikki. Brilliant souls, both! The moderator is fabolous. The very best I've heard interviewing Nikki Giovanni.

[@shabirmagami146]

brilliant 💌

[@richardwarren1718]

The first six minutes were pure genius. That's square biz. Now check out the rest. ❤️

[@jacquelineyvette7427]

Both poems are lovely

[@sharongillesp]

Love watching “Going to Mars,” a Nikki Giovanni documentary on HBO. Wish I could own the video.

[@mountainlinx]

???David Baldwin passed away in the mid-nineties so hard to have just run into to him in 2017. A part from that, a great woman.

[@marcuslane3609]

He died in 1987

[@janetcarrier313]

What she has said about black woman is truly beautiful.

[@EastOfATL]

One ☝🏽 of my favorite Sheroz rite hea jack!!... Salutez to Nikki Giovanni 👆🏽✍🏽🖤 #BlakkHerstoryMunt👑👏🏽✊🏽

[@vincentjames7815]

Old Lord How Excellent Is Thy Name In All The Earth When Dr Nikki Said Baby Who's Here I remember my mother Saying to me Vincent Even if I Find You In A Ditch I will come and cover you You are my son And I love you

[@brandyjackson3993]

Beautiful lady omg I love her

[@EddieG1888]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="330">5:30</a>, and Nikki called it SPOT. ON. What she sadly didn't predict is the self-serving cowardice in the GOP to find him innocent.

[@sunkissedtpp]

I hope she got her $50. 😂😂

[@timothyjeromewilliams8589]

Prince & NIKKI are ♊'s I respect & ❤️.

[@tyana1239]

I wish he was more warm and comforting when she cried . a thank you or something..

[@timothyjeromewilliams8589]

♊ NIKKI is the best!!!!!

[@jasonmccullar2770]

❤️

[@honeybozo]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="2900">48:20</a> testify, Sister.

[@timothyjeromewilliams8589]

♊ Tim ❤️♊ NIKKI 4️⃣ Life

[@sharongillesp]

I agree with Nikki about Obama.

[@CraftyShawn]

♥️❤️

[@sharongillesp]

Going to the White House would only rack-up PERSONAL BROWNIE POINTS.

[@cherbriscoe9773]

Most beautiful Nikki awesome black woman i love you

[@tyleranyways]

What happened <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="626">10:26</a>? <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="79">1:19</a>:47

[@timothyjeromewilliams8589]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐♊♊♊👍🙏🏿

[@rahchester7494]

I can’t stand when ninjas constantly suck their teeth.