Big Books & Bold Ideas with Kerri Miller

Nikki Giovanni on ‘Make Me Rain’

A book cover with a person smiling on it.
Poet Nikki Giovanni speaks with MPR News host Kerri Miller about the inspiration behind her latest collection of poems titled “Make Me Rain.”
Courtesy of William Morrow imprint at HarperCollins

It’s hard to quantify the impact of Nikki Giovanni’s work on American culture.

The Tennessee-born poet and children’s book author has had multiple stints on best sellers lists, garnered several awards from the NAACP and even had a species of bat named in her honor.

Giovanni made a splash when she published her first volume of poetry in 1968 and her most recent work is as sharp and refreshing as ever. 

The poet and activist spoke with MPR News host Kerri Miller about the inspiration behind her new collection of poetry and her plans for the future. 

Guest:
Nikki Giovanni is a poet, activist and professor in the English department at Virginia Tech. Her new collection of poetry is called “Make Me Rain.”  

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