Archivists prepare the Nikki Giovanni Collection for use as her last book is published
Nikki Giovanni. Photo is part of the Bay State Banner Archive held at the BU Libraries.
The archivists of Boston University Libraries are hard at work preparing the archive of poet, writer, and activist Nikki Giovanni for use. Beginning in 1971, and over the course of her career, Nikki Giovanni donated more than 185 boxes filled with her manuscripts, correspondence, photographs, subject files, printed materials, professional records, personal memorabilia, audio and video recordings, and artwork to BU. The papers, when open for use, will offer unparalleled insight into her life and career.
The publication this week of her last volume of poetry, The New Book: Poems, Letters, Blurbs, and Things by William Morrow, an imprint of Harper Collins, is a powerful reminder of how deeply moving and insightful Giovanni’s poetry and writings are.
The Libraries will be able to welcome researchers to use the archive in 2026. Stay tuned for more details about a forthcoming event celebrating the opening of the papers and our access to an extraordinary archive that Nikki Giovanni has given us all. Until then, please direct queries and questions to archives@bu.edu.