Style has a profound meaning to Black Americans. If we canโt drive, we will invent walks and the world will envy the dexterity of our feet. If we canโt have ham, we will boil chitterlings; if we are given rotten peaches, we will make cobblers; if given scraps, we will make quilts; take away our drums, and we will clap our hands. We prove the human spirit will prevail. We will take what we have to make what we need. We need confidence in our knowledge of who we are.
Nikki GiovanniSome say we are responsible for those we love. Others know we are responsible for those who love us.
Nikki GiovanniI used to go up to her house. She lived upstate [in New York] and I lived in Manhattan; you're living in a lot of noise and my career was being built. For me to spend time with Nina [Simone] is to spend a lot of quiet time.
Nikki Giovanni