John Kryder: On April 6th at Kleinhans Music Hall, 12 students’ compositions based on your poetry will be played—compositions for orchestra and jazz ensemble as well as art songs and chamber pieces. Out of the 65 pieces submitted, almost 50 were based on your poetry. Please comment on the relationship between poetry and music, and in particular the relationship between your work and music and the kinds of collaborations you have enjoyed with musicians in the past.

Nikki Giovanni: Poetry is music though, unfortunately, not all music is poetry. Because music has other carriers to take its message—beats, lyrics, singers, bass players—anyone in music can rise to make a major statement but in poetry there are only words to do the work. And they do sometimes have to sweat.

In past times I have worked with both gospel choirs and with jazz. Benny Diggs and The New York Community Choir was a great partner with my poetry. I think we broke new ground with Truth Is On Its Way. We showed that the Word and words are compatible. That faith and doubt can and should exist side by side. We also showed with that collaboration that strength comes from both sides of the aisle.

In my jazz recordings I harked back to Mingus and Langston Hughes, Baraka and Sun Ra. Since I am a big Aretha fan I wanted some of her people on my what was then called album. Sissy Houston, Cornel Dupree and that group joined me.

poet Nikki Giovanni

JK: For our celebration, ten of your poems have been choreographed by student and professional choreographers and 13 of your poems have been illustrated by student artists in the Buffalo and Williamsville schools. For this event alone, you have inspired elementary, middle school and high school students from over 40 urban and suburban schools. While you teach university level students, what has been your experience with younger students and how does the response to your work by students in this community connect with your experience?

NG: I’m a big fan of young people. I don’t think they are perfect but then neither are we. I am pleased to let my work go into their hands and see what they come up with. An idea is only yours when you are holding it in your heart and head. Once spoken it belongs to the world. I am honored that young folk can find passion, commitment and creativity in my work.

JK: This celebration is largely composed through the efforts of children; how has your development as a poet grown out of the roots of your childhood?

NG: I suppose if I had not been a child I would not now be here. I don’t think I am capable of separating my childhood to say what root nurtured which tree.

JK: You have been honored for you teaching as well as for your poetry. Education in this country is fraught with critical issues and obstacles, some of which are so powerfully presented for all Americans in The Covenant with Black America, the book Tavis Smiley helped launch. Would you share with us your educational philosophy and hopes and their relation to your work as poet?

NG: Tavis’ book was both great and important. Tavis is a great man who has not shied from tackling difficult issues. I think education should have an “s” on it. there are educations; not just one and not just one way. How much poorer would the world be if Quincy Jones had gone to college instead of the local bar. But most of us need an education. Most of us are ordinary folk who need a good dose of sophistication and a jolt of courage to speak up. A good Liberal Arts education preserves what few freedoms we still have.You know, there is no curriculum called The Conservative Arts or The Nazi Arts. No one needs to teach you to be mean; we need to be taught to be kind.

JK: Through your activism, pursuit of justice for others, and teaching, you have personally helped to shape our culture. How does art help to shape culture, and how do you see your poetry in particular doing this?

NG: My work is a part of me and I it. I have no reason to try to pick one part of me out from the rest. I only see my work, or rather I should say I see my work only telling my part of the human experience. I am honest; I try to be truthful. I like people and wish us well. We are not always deserving of our own best wishes.

Nikki Giovanni will appear this Sunday, April 6 at Kleinhans Music Hall as part of the Buffalo/Williamsville Poetry, Music and Dance Celebration. The program begins at 7pm and will feature student poets, composers and dancers.