Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Arts & Culture

Sept. 27th – Writer Nikki Giovanni Named Toni Morrison Writer-in-Residence

One of the most celebrated and revered African American poets, Nikki Giovanni, has been named the PVAMU 2021-2022 Writer-in-Residence in the Toni Morrison Writing Program. The appointment will officially begin with a virtual series taking place September 27 – 29.

Ms. Giovanni has won numerous awards, including the Langston Hughes Medal and the NAACP Image Award. Named a “Living Legend” by Oprah Winfrey, her diverse body of work includes poetry anthologies, poetry recordings, nonfiction essays, and children’s literature.

Giovanni’s early work gained attention as part of the Black Arts Movement; she was called the “Poet of the Black Revolution” because of her forceful and passionate writing about civil rights. Her varied activism has included providing support for other African American women writers. Giovanni currently serves as a University Distinguished Professor at Virginia Tech University.

Established by PVAMU President Ruth Simmons, The Toni Morrison Writing Program seeks to bring visibility to African American writing in the literary canon. Led by Provost Emerita and Professor E. Johanne Thomas-Smith, the program will feature writers reading from their works, conducting masterclasses, teaching, and mentoring other writers. The program will also focus on opportunities to develop the literary interests and talents of young writers. Components include a partnership with area high school English departments, an annual writing contest for K-12 students, and elementary school readings accompanied by informal book discussions with the author.

About Prairie View A&M University: Designated an institution of “the first class” in the Texas Constitution, Prairie View A&M University is the second-oldest public institution of higher education in the state. With an established reputation for producing engineers, nurses, and educators, PVAMU offers baccalaureate degrees, master’s degrees, and doctoral degree programs through eight colleges and schools. A member of The Texas A&M University System, the university is dedicated to fulfilling its land-grant mission of achieving excellence in teaching, research, and service. For more information regarding PVAMU, visit www.pvamu.edu.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Candace Johnson
Executive Director of Marketing and Communications
936-261-1566
cajohnson@pvamu.edu

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.

Marchita Shilo
Communications Manager
936-261-2134
mlshilo@pvamu.edu

The Office of Marketing and Communications
936-261-1560
www.pvamu.edu/marcomm

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

You May Also Like

Event

Join us for our 6th Annual Black Women In Media live panel conversation and brunch mixer. Saturday, October 19 · 11am – 2pm  Deutsch...

Event

Since its inception in 1994, this showcase has been a platform for rising and established filmmakers from emerging voices. November 15 · 7pm –...

Event

San Pedro Fish Market’s 4th Annual Seafood Celebration (Purchase tickets during your next visit to any location avoid online fees) Friday, October 18 ·...

News

(Black PR Wire) NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Essence Ventures, the parent company of ESSENCE Communications, Inc., today, announces Michele Ghee as Chief Content Officer, underscoring the...