Nikki Giovanni Poet, Writer, Activist, and Dreamer Yolande Cornelia Giovanni, Jr was Nikki’s real name. She was born in Knoxville, TN on June 7, 1943 and was raised in Cincinnati, OH. She was one of four children born to Jones Giovanni and Yolande Cornelia Watson Giovanni. Her mother was born in Albany, GA and her father was born in Mobile, AL. Growing up Nikki loved to read anything she could get her hands on. She enjoyed various authors and accredits several for her inspiration in becoming an author