“Style has a profound meaning to Black Americans. If we can’t drive, we will invent walks and the world will envy the dexterity of our feet. If we can’t 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 Giovanni“Everything will change. The only question is growing up or decaying.”
Nikki Giovanni“A lot of people resist transition and therefore never allow themselves to enjoy who they are. Embrace the change, no matter what it is; once you do, you can learn about the new world you're in and take advantage of it.”
Nikki Giovanni“If now isn't a good time for the truth I don't see when we'll get to it.”
Nikki Giovanni“I am totally fascinated by people and our history as I understand and continue to explore it. People have so much to give and so far to go and yet we have given and gone a great distance. It's really just interesting to ask: why not? And see where that takes me.”
Nikki Giovanni“We love because it's the only true adventure.”
Nikki Giovanni“I really don't think life is about the I-could-have-beens. Life is only about the I-tried-to-do. I don't mind the failure but I can't imagine that I'd forgive myself if I didn't try.”
Nikki Giovanni“The ability to take pride in your own work is one of the hallmarks of sanity.”
Nikki Giovanni“We love because it is the only true adventure.”
Nikki Giovanni“I move on feeling and have learned to distrust those who don't.”
Nikki Giovanni“It is not who you attend school with but who controls the school you attend.”
Nikki Giovanni