One famous African-American writer that she was friends with and who also had an impact on her writing was James Baldwin. The two of them had long conversations about the Rights of blacks and [black] women in America and many of their arguments were recorded and made into books. After meeting with James Baldwin, " her poetry had moved beyond the had-line stance taken by many African Americans. Used to thinking for herself, and making her own decisions, she had told an interviewer "I believe in a nation built on individualism. If I allow you to be yourself and you allow me to be myself, then we can come together and build a strong union." (Pinkerton, pg. 53) Thus, Nikki's writing style had already begun to change. .
Nelson Mandela's work against apartheid was something that Nikki was against. However, since his movement for freedom there was such a big issue around the world, she received many threats. Nonetheless, Nikki was satisfied that she was able to make her voice heard upon the issue, as she had done many times on various subjects. .
Nikki's first award was controversial amongst the black community. The Ladies" Home Journal magazine gave her an award at age thirty, "some black leaders said Giovanni should not have accepted an award from a mainly white organization. Giovanni disagreed." (Pinkerton, pg. 63) Nikki Giovanni argued that people were being hypocrites by saying that. To her it was a sign of progress that at least some white people were recognizing a black lady for her works. .
Though Nikki gave most of her time, energy, and money to the Civil Rights Movement, she couldn't let the opportunity for her to take part in the movement for women as well. During this time, many women were changing customary ways. They were not only housewives, but many had respectable professions. Nikki did not see a reason not to be one of them.
"I want to be a modern woman. I still have a nostalgic Afro, though it's stylishly short.
