Nikki Giovanni has written more than 14 poetry books and is aworld-reknowned writer, activist, educator and publisher.
"She was the first poet I read that wrote like she was writingfor me," senior Lanette Sims said.
The women of Delta Sigma Theta Soroity Inc., Delta Phi Chapter,have invited the poet to speak at 5 p.m. today at Pruis Hall.
Giovanni was named Woman of the Year by Ebony Magazine in 1970,Mademoiselle in 1971 and Ladies' Home Journal in 1972.
Since the 1960s, Giovanni has entertained her fans by displayingseveral dimensions of the human spirit, including lessons of love,blues and childhood experiences.
"I think she'll make a jump-start for students," said NatakiSanders, undergraduate chairwoman of the reunion committee forDelta Sigma Theta, Delta Phi Chapter. Sanders said Giovanni ishonest, direct and moving with her words.
Giovanni has received more than 100 awards, including an NAACPImage Award for Literature and the Langston Hughes Award forDistinguished Contributions to Arts and Letters.
Sims, who has been reading Giovanni's works since the fifthgrade, said everyone could find substance in her writing that wouldfit their lives.
"She doesn't hold any punches," Sims said. "She finds thetruth."
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. Delta Phi Chapter decided toinvite Giovanni to commerate the 50th anniversary of the sorority.Giovanni herself has been an honorary member of Delta Sigma ThetaSorority since 1974.
There were several Ball State offices, colleges and departmentsthat played a role in bringing Giovanni to speak on campus, Sanderssaid. A few of these sponsors include the Department of English,Black Student Association and Women's Studies Program.
Sanders said she was uncertain of the direction Giovanni'sspeech would take but said it would encompass the ideals ofleadership, motivation and diversity.
"Give (her works) a chance and pick up her poems or her books,"Sims said.
Sims said Giovanni's words speak to her in such a way that hermessages seem to crawl inside her. As an elementary educationmajor, Sims said she planned to use her writings as a teaching toolafter graduation.
The event is free and is open to all Ball State students andfaculty as well as the Muncie community.
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