February 12, 2015
Poet Nikki Giovanni’s Feb. 19 lecture canceled
CARBONDALE, Ill. -- The Feb. 19 appearance of poet, writer, commentator activist and educator Nikki Giovanni as part of Black History Month activities at Southern Illinois University Carbondale has been canceled because of health issues that led to her hospitalization.
Her presentation, “Human by the Grace of God: A View of Diversity,” was to focus on civil rights, activism and social issues past and present. SIU officials are hopeful they can reschedule the appearance of the Virginia Tech University Distinguished Professor at a later date.
“The students of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. worked hard to plan this visit by Dr. Giovanni as she is a member of their sorority,” Nathan Stephens, director of the Center for Inclusive Excellence, said. “They are disappointed but we all send our best wishes for her recovery and we will invite her to SIU again in the future.”
Stephens said plans are underway to invite other notable speakers to campus as SIU’s recognition of the month continues.