Why Not the Right Thing the First Time | Nikki Giovanni | TEDxHerndon

Life is good; love is fun. Why not enjoy them both?
Poet Nikki Giovanni was born in Knoxville, Tennessee, on June 7, 1943. Although she grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio, she and her sister returned to Knoxville each summer to visit their grandparents. Nikki graduated with honors in history from her grandfather's alma mater, Fisk University. Since 1987, she has been on the faculty at Virginia Tech, where she is a University Distinguished Professor.
This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@preciousone9377]

Rest in Power Queen Nikki.🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹

[@5littleliteshandmadecandle460]

🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@StephanieSmithStrickland]

Came here to spend some time with her words. May she rest in power and peace.

[@alfredtafadzwabandera630]

Rest in peace Queen...you represented us very well.

[@thebigbeautycutie]

Rest in Poetry, Miss Nikki Giovanni 🕊🕊🕊

[@TheLeaDersTeaCher]

Thumbs up if you think she is still Beautiful 👍

[@staciamj1]

She was!

[@DrCMSewer]

I remember being in her presence and my entire body felt her spirit. She is physically gone, but her power and energy is not gone. She lives. She is happy now! She's with her friend James Baldwin, Malcolm X, and the rest!

[@VinoVenitas]

"The first person who reads you is you" ... FREAKING simple but FREAKING true. I should try to impress me more. Her energy is awesome. I wish I could take one of her classes.

[@osmankmbal1008]

You must see her when she was young. She has the same smile and courage

[@aquafina6544]

I wish i could take her class too.

[@dwhite8997]

Me too

[@lovesings2us]

@@aquafina6544 Me too.

[@bonitahobbs2097]

I have ALWAYS ADMIRED NIKKI ROSA!!! Least since the 70's!!!! She should be on PBS every week!👊🏾

[@julianthomas391]

Nikki G you are the best teacher I ever had. Harlem Renaissance at Virginia Tech was exceptional!! You're one of the kindest people I know. You got me when you showed me Thuglife tatted on your left forearm. I remember giving you those 2Pac pictures after he died. Gone but never forgotten. Rest In Paradise Nikki G!!

[@kendriccarter]

“I’m so hip even my errors are correct” 🔥 Beyond Bars

[@miahleslie6183]

Boss ♥️♥️♥️💪

[@alexbutler3260]

What's the title of that piece?

[@oso3202]

@@alexbutler3260 " Ego Trippin' "

[@doublebreasted1422]

Goodnight Miss Nikki. Take your rest. 🤍💙🩷🙏🏾🥹

[@shaniewestllc]

This week will be all about her for me. I found her by studying James Baldwin. And now I want to know all about her. Thanks for posting this.

[@fred5399]

Her books of poetry are great own most of them.

[@galelynsullivan8917]

Shanie West Nikki Giovanni was the poet to recite when I was 17 yrs old. The poem she just did Ego Tripping Absolutely put her on the map however, it was her choreopoem titled For Girls Who Commit Suicide When the Rainbow Is Not Enough that painted her in the public eye. FAMOUS.. this poem was performed on Broadway and actually Tyler Perry turned it into a movie by the same name... its still being performed all over the world in theaters to this day. The last book I received of her works by my husband John is called Bicycles... the book cover is just as beautiful as the poems inside... Ms. Giovanni is wearing a white suit standing by a red bicycle. Now that I've heard this TED Talk the book cover is so like her, whimsical, funny and wonderful.

[@shaniewestllc]

@@galelynsullivan8917 thank you for all this wonderful information. I'm going to read as many of her poems as I can. She is remarkable.

[@galelynsullivan8917]

Shanie West blessings on your journey

[@pattylabell2166]

Me too! I am adding her to my Amazon list.

[@ReeseRobbins]

This Queen had quite the life. I am so happy to have witnessed her in the flesh. She has inspired me to write for my life and to love poetry. I will miss you auntie. My tears are falling gently in the memory of the oceans you waved for us. ❤

[@DeborahRothfeld]

I am so sorry for your loss

[@ReeseRobbins]

Thank you.

[@nomadqueen1111]

Same here, sis.😢 I'm rewatching and rereading my Nikki G. collections and picking my pen and paper back up to get back into my poetry. I started writing poetry around 7 years old. I've loved Nikki for a really long time. When I finally met her in Atlanta decades ago, it was an absolute dream come true. Being in her presence for a few hours is still one of my fondest memories in life. ❤

[@WWEENETWORK]

I had the pleasure of meeting her at a talk in my late 20s . She motivated me to go back and finish my degree. She hugged my tears away..and then said...WHAT YOU DOING IN THE MEANTIME....???

[@s.terris9537]

Linda Tillery (Longtime Bay Area Musician, Ethnomusicologist) sings a great song about Chocolate Kisses, which Nikki just reminded me of when she read her poem at around 2:30. Surely not an accident!

[@manuginobilisbaldspot424]

To be in the presence of a living legend. I got to meet Maya Angelou in 2005. I would LOVE to meet Nikki while she still dwells with us on this planet. She is a world treasure.

[@angelface101ful]

Nahh shes rather a disappointmrnt, she no longer cares she's stop caring a while ago

[@dwhite8997]

@@angelface101ful she is currently working with NASA to get writers into space because it needs to be written about by real writers. She is a professor at Virginia Tech and runs the liberal arts dept. She just spoke at Emory College in Atlanta and it was a free event. She is currently working on a Tupac movie also... she's doing an awful lot for someone who DOESN'T CARE... *and what is it that YOU are doing 🤔 don't worry, I'll wait *BTW learn how to spell "disappointment" before you call a legend one...

[@vivianvandrey2594]

Indeed she is

[@ndubuisiomegara8215]

@@angelface101ful What have you done recently to show you care? It's easy to critic but try doing something worthy of others criticing would be nice.

[@markelabanks4808]

You are SO fortunate to have met Maya 😢 James Baldwin, Maya and Nikki were my childhood heroes

[@NeoBeat219]

2010 I was about 4 months sober, trying to stay afloat with work and school and life. Ms. Giovanni came and spoke at my University, and I had the opportunity to meet her and spend and hour basking in the joy, exuberance, wisdom, and grace. May you rest well, Ms. Giovanni. We love you

[@jahneastanfield2662]

For those commenting on her appearance in the now, compared to the days of 50-60 years ago... It's called life! Get busy living yours or get you one! Shallow minds create chatter that truly is nothing but; noise without logic. 💯

[@shannontimothy]

Jahnea Stanfield This has always been Nikki!

[@jerrysmith6321]

Great comment Jahnea. You're excellent sister. Peace&Love, Jahnea. I Love your comment. I fell in Love with Nikki Giovanni 49yrs ago. Those things in which you call hands are in fact two brown butterflies fluttering across the pleasure they give my body. Nikki Giovanni. I was twelve when I first read that.

[@jerrysmith6321]

My best friend Larry Gray turned me on to Nikki Giovanni. At 15 he wrote, To thirst for knowledge is a great thing, but to quench that thirst is even greater. His English teacher changed greater to better. I preferred greater. Larry Gray taught me how to read b4 the school did. We lived next door to one another. He had me reading the declaration of Independence at 14. At 12, I knew The Creation by James Weldon Johnson verbatim. I Love books because of Larry, and I Loved Larry. He wanted to be a lawyer. After graduating his 4th yr at U of D, he got another student pregnant. They married and had 3 children. I remember at 12 he read the entire dictionary. His funeral is Saturday. R.I.P my friend. I just wanted to talk about him.

[@axucaroso]

I met Nikki Giovanni at the original Chicago State University in 1970? 1969? She looks the same to me Now as she she did then.

[@Stoney-Jacksman]

we live in the worst age for that matter. People always clutter the world with clichematic noise, always repeating the same sentences, not saying anything, but still filled with a toxic message. Instead of focussing on the words and energy shared, they focus on only the superficial. I can not understand it.

[@JohnnyR-kt4oo]

Trailblazer and her legacy will forever shine like the constellations in the universe.

[@amyhodges5464]

‘Ego Tripping’ is such a great poem - Nikki Giovanni seems amazing - I would sign up for college again to be in her class.

[@dominicwalker2659]

One of the last of the TRUE freedom fighters. We need to appreciate and most importantly LISTEN to them while the few left are still here. LOVE YOU NIKKI. REST EASY!

[@NeasTube]

Love to our sister. Rest in peace and power.

[@tiffanih8465]

how sweet is that poem...chocolate.

[@katrinaadia2067]

I won a speech competition in High School reciting this poem! I have never forgotten it!

[@gracelipscomb5473]

You inspired me to read and write poetry when I was a teenager. You will be missed. RIP Queen of the Letters.

[@leebrown2235]

My aunt is named after Nikki Giovanni. Such a remarkable woman.

[@tamarahickman6301]

REST IN PEACE QUEEN

[@susanreed6040]

My Shero her and Angela Davis carried me through middle and high school 🎉 building my self-esteem Queens

[@Zenith510.]

Hey, Sis. Same sheroes... ❤

[@cordellvazquez7150]

Words could give mrs. Giovanni the respect she deserves. " I'm so hip, even my errors are correct"

[@thenewauthoreden]

Ms. and Miss Giovanni, you were and are my favorite Poet in this entire world. Thank you for sharing your Life and Spirit with us. Rest Well, Dearest Queen...🙏 🦋🌹

[@nessa1063]

She is just deliciously WONDERFIFFICALLLL!!

[@sgreen9088]

Yes, she is! Enbolden.

[@_katrinayoung_]

For Nikki 🌹❤

[@Kemp757]

Oh my goodness I just found out. Rest in eternal peace Queen. Thank you!

[@alexisgarcia1344]

❤❤Her last poem is so beautiful ❤❤ Smiling from all the joy and pride ❤❤ Rest in power ❤❤

[@uriep.6186]

Poetry is life.. everyone is a poet once they shut the noise around them

[@jaedagarner390]

that poem about fear was reframing especially in a time like this, just wow. rest in power to this literary beauty ❤

[@vividsunrise1742]

Legendary Greatness… RIP Queen!!

[@aquaangel5029]

So glad I stumbled upon this, Rest in Power

[@heyg0ld]

Rest in glory to one of my poetry mothers. You were a true powerhouse and your poetry gave me strength after my mother passed. Your work, your words, will never be forgotten.

[@pntshiba]

"all he CAN say is No"... I love that. That's the worst that it could be, so why not take the leap of faith as it could also be yes... Love you Nikki

[@gigs2riches]

RIP to a Legend ❤

[@lericamims]

She is amazing! She is retiring. I love her poem Ego Trippin.

[@QueenBDreamwalker]

Nikki can never retire from who she is & will share what's Real as long as she possibly can ✍🏾🤔🤣💜🌎

[@eaflores1498]

So shining, so beautiful. Such a gift is rare a precious. Thank you, Ms. Giovanni

[@davidbene2724]

Rest Easy, Queen.

[@latonyamsummers1]

Love her sense of humor.

[@Jophlo78]

May this amazing soul Rest in Paradise 🙌🏿

[@4herskin]

What a brilliant beautiful soul and the gifts she shared with us all…❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@visionquilt2987]

What a gift to humanity she is!!

[@BedStuyDOD62]

RIP 🕊️

[@moniqueharding7461]

I remember the Different World episode when her Ego Trippin poem was recited- it was powerful then and even more powerful now.

[@oreoluwa5469]

thank you for your life Queen 🙏🏾

[@valiizajames925]

One of the Best Ted Talks I have ever listened to!

[@sugwilliams6257]

I remember that voice from my early childhood(5 & up), my Mom would play "Truth is on Its Way" Sunday mornings. Words are powerful seeds.

[@ottogreenjr.7857]

Oh, to be alive!!! Thank you Ms. Giovanni

[@anthonybates8568]

Please Talk HEAVY 💪🏿👁️ Nikki. Rest in Power Nikki🌹Much Respect🖤 All Respect Due✊🏿

[@enosadieri6212]

Nikki Giovanni is me telling a story...veering off to explain all the stories that build up to the main story.

[@happygucci5094]

Right??!!!

[@taynaburton5828]

We were so blessed to have this Queen to live amongst and experience her wit, intelligence, and fighting for our humanity❤❤

[@michellewilliams5206]

She passed away, may her soul rest in peace.🙏🕊

[@queen_of_domination]

She is a wonderful poet! Such a legacy!

[@ozozy1757]

poetry genius

[@joannjohnson8334]

My beautiful ethereal Queen, thank you for being a soundtrack of my life ❤ Rest in power and peace ❤

[@jamelsweden9322]

She is just so gorgeous and brilliant, I adore her so much.

[@veronadugeon5701]

Rest In Peace! Your legacy is your poems! I loved her truth!

[@buildingbrighterkids]

Rest well most powerful Sista! ❤️🖤

[@kathalinehall1678]

Prolific, articulate, intelligent, sassy, classy, lady. Love you Nikki!

[@jewls808]

Ok Ms. Nikki Giovanni. Love her.

[@didizissou]

Rest In Power Legend❤️

[@mssaddity]

One of the best poets of all time!

[@Dodgerblue2024]

Sleep in heavenly peace💫

[@shannontimothy]

FISKITE! One of the BEST products of Fisk University! We ❤️ you Nikki!

[@nadia4999]

If I am not mistaken I think they kicked her out of Fisk University. She was and still is a Riot. lol. Nevertheless, she is an amazing Author.

[@shannontimothy]

Well she dropped out...but we still and will forever consider her a Fiskite!

[@nadia4999]

Of course! What university or Alumni wouldn’t want to claim a mind such as Nikki Giovanni. I hear you. when I heard Giovanni mention she didn’t graduate from Fisk I found it interesting. Since the objective of attending higher learning is to graduate, but clearly she didn’t need to do that. That’s all. You got it.

[@105pretty]

She went back a year later and graduated from Fisk.

[@taylordottie5858]

Nikki Giovanni is awesome. She's my favorite poet. I love Ego Tripping!

[@demetriuswilliams5620]

She’s so beautiful I love her spirit, it’s Captivating

[@elbatey4798]

I was affraid of the age, but not I am happy for those who knows how to get old thanks to Nikki

[@HabitsofaHomemaker]

So authentic! Love her!

[@tanya1954tw]

Nikki Giovanni is still Awesomeness ❤️❤️💜 Much Love to you my Sista 💋

[@lindajackson5143]

that last poem will always be one of my favorite Giovanni deliveries of her own remarkable genius. love eternal!

[@RuqayyahYusufAbdulkarim]

God I love this woman

[@mulukusimushi5659]

She's pure gold

[@AbsolutelyNOW]

She is awesome love her and James Baldwin too 🔥🔥❤❤❤

[@collettecaraway2759]

Let me just go ahead and put the sheeeet out there...I want to meet this GENIUS B4 I leave this planet.💕

[@okolamarshall3811]

Me 2

[@inchwormentertainment780]

She’s amazing. A true icon.

[@darlenehenderson6914]

When I cannot door say what I want I try hard not to do or say what I don't want. thank you Nikki for this life fulfilling word.

[@pattylabell2166]

I am going back to Amazon and add her to my book list! I really like her.

[@aliciaburbank9962]

I've decided to Ego Trip all day long! Much love to you Nikki. 💕

[@Stephanieani]

I love her so much. Gosh so smooth with so much spice.

[@sebastianbolt7886]

Can listen and listen to this wonderful creature of Nature. ♥️

[@karotgold09]

Seeing this is highly inspirational for our culture. Awesomeness!!!

[@reggeesexpressions]

Kim Valentine Amanda Seales

[@QueenBDreamwalker]

Beauteous! i Love hearing Aunt Nikki talk AnyTime AnyWhere AnyDay ~ she's AllWays been this True!!! Gratitude for sharing this clip 🤔🤣✍🏾💜🌎

[@Mari-Ama7]

She was good 💜 R.I.H

[@ummietiye]

I love this woman...got turned on to Nikki in high school and have listened to her since,,,love her poetry.

[@kaa-rc6qd]

Bravo!

[@ladybathshuamoshe1751]

Truly a GODDESS! 🤩🤩🤩🤩✊🏽✊🏽✊🏽✊🏽✊🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽👑👑👑👑💯

[@OrotiFitness]

This was wonderful and so refreshing, Ms. Nicki. Thank you for enlightening us then and even now. You are truly one of the Greats and what an Inspiration!

[@jenethompsonart]

Absolutely LOVE 💗 her!!!

[@standingstare]

she is so adorable

[@IsisIrving]

What a woman ✨

[@dkv1201]

RIP Nikki

[@anitawilson1284]

Thank you for inspiration!

[@shereerabon8551]

Thank you thank you thank YOU!

[@cbanks8037]

Phenomenal! Life Changing👏👏👏

[@kennydawson265]

j'appr'ecie Nikki!!