Nikki Giovanni, the award-winning American poet and leading figure of the Black Arts Movement, has died at the age of 81 after a prolonged battle with cancer, according to reports on Tuesday.

Giovanni, celebrated for her powerful explorations of civil rights, race, and gender, passed away peacefully on December 9, 2024, with her lifelong partner, Virginia Fowler, by her side. Her passing was confirmed in a statement by fellow writer Renee Watson.

Over her illustrious career, Giovanni gained acclaim for works such as Knoxville, Tennessee and Nikki-Rosa. She was a prolific voice for African-American culture and activism, earning numerous awards and a Grammy nomination for her contributions to literature and civil rights advocacy.

Poet Kwame Alexander paid tribute to her legacy, stating, “We will forever be grateful for the unconditional time she gave to us, to all her literary children across the writerly world.”