Rob and Michele Reiner formed a bond with Nanon Williams, a man convicted of murder, through shared interests in poetry and justice, ultimately supporting his journey from death row to life imprisonment and advocating for prison reform and abolition of the death penalty.
The article highlights the digitization of rare audio recordings from the 92nd Street Y Unterberg Poetry Center, featuring speeches and readings by renowned authors like Kurt Vonnegut, E.E. Cummings, Mary Oliver, and others, offering a unique glimpse into their personalities and the literary history they helped shape.
Henry Cavill has injured his foot and ankle during training for the Highlander reboot, leading to a delay in production until early 2026. He shared a poetic update on Instagram while resting, and the film's cast and storyline are being developed with new elements and characters. Cavill's injury has temporarily paused his Highlander activities, but the project continues to evolve with notable actors attached.
The 2025 National Book Award for Poetry longlist features ten poets, mostly first-time honorees, with themes exploring freedom, survival, queer and trans identity, and historical migration. The list includes diverse voices supported by various literary foundations and awards, with finalists to be announced in October and winners in November.
Scientists have engineered a bacterium to encode and recite poetry by embedding a poem into its DNA, which also causes the bacterium to glow red when activated. This innovation aims to preserve cultural messages across geological timescales and has potential applications in long-term data storage and synthetic biology.
Andrea Gibson, a renowned poet, activist, and subject of the award-winning documentary 'Come See Me in the Good Light,' died at 49 after a four-year battle with ovarian cancer, leaving behind a legacy of influential poetry and social activism.
Andrea Gibson, Colorado's poet laureate and a prominent voice on LGBTQ issues and social justice through their accessible spoken word poetry, has died at age 49 after battling ovarian cancer since 2021. Gibson was celebrated for their ability to connect with diverse audiences and inspire activism, and they received numerous awards and recognition, including a fellowship from the Academy of American Poets. Their work often addressed real-life issues such as queer rights, political division, and healthcare, and they left a lasting impact on the Colorado arts community.
The article reflects on the early life and career of Nikki Giovanni, highlighting her brilliance and fearless approach to poetry and activism during the civil rights movement. Giovanni's work and persona have inspired generations, marking her as a significant cultural and literary figure.
Renowned poet and civil rights icon Nikki Giovanni passed away at 81 after battling cancer. A native of Knoxville, Tennessee, Giovanni was a pivotal figure in the Black Arts Movement, celebrated for her powerful poetry and advocacy for Black America. Her work, which includes over two dozen poetry collections, earned her numerous accolades, including the Langston Hughes Medal and a Grammy nomination. Giovanni's deep ties to Knoxville and her Appalachian roots were central to her identity, often reflected in her writing. She is survived by her wife, son, and granddaughter.
Renowned poet and activist Nikki Giovanni, a Virginia Tech professor emerita, passed away at 81 after battling cancer. Celebrated for her impactful poetry and activism, Giovanni was named one of Oprah's 25 living legends and influenced countless students during her 35-year tenure at Virginia Tech. She was known for her powerful words on social issues and her dedication to fostering critical thinking in students. Giovanni's legacy includes numerous awards, honorary degrees, and a lasting impact on the literary world and her community.
Renowned poet Nikki Giovanni, celebrated for her works that highlighted Black joy and culture, has passed away at the age of 81. Giovanni was a pivotal figure in American literature, known for her powerful and evocative poetry that often addressed themes of race, social justice, and personal empowerment. Her contributions to the literary world and her influence on the civil rights movement have left a lasting legacy.
Renowned poet Nikki Giovanni, celebrated for her work highlighting Black joy and culture, has passed away at the age of 81. Giovanni's influential poetry and writings have left a lasting impact on literature and the celebration of Black identity.
Nikki Giovanni, a prominent poet of the Black Arts Movement and civil rights activist, has died at 81 after battling cancer. Known for her accessible poetry on Black liberation, love, and family, Giovanni published over 30 books and taught at Virginia Tech for decades. Her work and activism made her a significant cultural figure, engaging with other luminaries like Maya Angelou and James Baldwin. Giovanni's legacy includes her contributions to literature, civil rights, and education.