Acclaimed poet and literary force Nikki Giovanni, who was at the forefront of the Black Arts Movement, and known across the world for her defiant yet endearing prose about race, gender, sex and love has died.

Renowned poet Nikki Giovanni passed away on December 9. Her creative force shaped the Black Arts Movement of the 1960s. | First Women, US Edition, Art + Culture

Legendary poet and civil rights activist Nikki Giovanni got her start while a youngster in Cincinnati's suburbs. 'I am a Cincinnatian,' she said.