World-renowned poet, writer, commentator, civil rights activist, and educator Nikki Giovanni will speak at California State University Stanislaus on March 24 and 25.

Giovanni has used her writing and lectures over the past thirty years to fight for civil rights and equality. Nicknamed “The Princess of Black Poetry,” Giovanni is considered an important voice of the Black community. With her focus on the individual and the power one has to make a difference, Giovanni has remained a prominent civil rights activist.

Giovanni published her fist book of poetry in 1968, entitled “Black Feeling Black Talk” and published her second book in the same year. After thirty years of publishing and lecturing, Giovanni has been named both a “National Treasure” and one of Oprah Winfrey’s 25 “Living Legends.”

Receiving many honors and awards for her writing, Giovanni has achieved worldwide recognition for her work. Her album “Nikki Giovanni Poetry Collection,” on which she reads and discusses her poetry, was one of five finalists for a Grammy Award.

Giovanni will give her keynote address at CSU Stanislaus at 3 p.m. on March 24. She will also facilitate an informal conversation with the academic community at 10 a.m. on March 25. Both events are free and open to the public.

Giovanni’s visit to CSU Stanislaus is made possible by the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, the College of the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, Associated Students Inc., Alumni Association and Friends of the University.

For more information, call (209) 667-3531.