Poet Nikki Giovanni to visit CF

A world famous poet is visiting CF.

On Sept. 9 and 10, Nikki Giovanni will come to the Ocala Campus as part of the annual Debra Vasquez Poetry Reading Series.

The series is held each year in honor of Debra Vasquez, a fallen staff member. Throughout her career at CF, she strived to bring poets to the college. Her vision lives on through the series as a new poet is brought to CF every year.

"Our vision, as a series, is to continue to honor a cherished colleague and friend," said Sandra Cooper, associate professor, letters.

The Debra Vasquez Committee makes the decision on who the guest poet will be by accepting nominations then deciding as a group who is considered to be the best choice, Cooper explained.

This time around, Dr. Charles Dassance, president of CF, suggested Giovanni. Ever since Cooper received his nomination, she tried through persistence and determination to convince Giovanni to visit CF until the plans were set in stone.

Giovanni is a widely acclaimed poet, activist and author. She currently is a Distinguished Professor of English at Virginia Tech and has taught there since 1987. She has written 15 books of poetry, 11 children's books and co-authored three books.

"We're delighted to have someone of her stature visit the College of Central Florida," Cooper said. "We're getting calls from across the state to reserve seats."

Many of her works are inspired by African American artists, activists and black power movements. While juggling teaching and writing, Giovanni regularly tours nationwide to discuss her strong opposition for hate related violence.

Teachers, students and the community alike will be able to listen to Giovanni read poetry for no cost on Sept. 9 at 7 p.m. in the Fine Arts Auditorium. She will also take part in the CF Book Club discussion, led by Cooper, in the Webber Center on Sept. 10 at noon. The club is featuring "Bicycles: Love Poems" by Giovanni.

"We are so honored to have poet Nikki Giovanni coming to CF," said Cassandra Robison, associate professor, communications. "Personally, I recall her as one of the first poets I discovered as a young reader and scholar; she was mightily important to women of color and women of all colors with her unique, powerful style. Students will love her work and relate to it."