Nikki Giovanni will deliver the keynote lecture for Saint Louis University鈥檚 Black History Month celebration, hosted by SLU's .
The famed poet, activist and professor will speak at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 2, in Busch Student Center. She will discuss maintaining hope despite difficult times ahead following recent developments in American politics and foreign policy. This event is free and open to the public.
Giovanni is one of the world's most well-known African-American poets. Her work includes poetry anthologies, poetry recording and nonfiction essays, and covers topics that include race and social issues.
She has been awarded an unprecedented seven NAACP Image Awards, nominated for a Grammy and was named a finalist for the National Book Award. She鈥檚 also authored three New York Times and Los Angeles Times best sellers.
She is currently a university distinguished professor at Virginia Tech.
Saint Louis University鈥檚 Black History Month celebration is a month-long event highlighting black music, history, food and art. Other events include:
- A Black History Month opening ceremony, featuring a presentation by a SLU faculty member, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 1, in the seminar room of the Center for Global Citizenship.
- A study night with refreshments from 6 to 9 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 5, in the seminar room of the CGC.
- A game night with food and board games at 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 12, in the BSC.
- The annual Soul Food and Jazz dinner, which will highlight black music and history, from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 19, at Il Monastero.
- A Mardi-Gras themed Harambee Masquerade from 8 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25, in Il Monastero.
All of these events are free and open to the public.