World-renowned poet, writer, commentator, activist and educator Nikki Giovanni will be the featured speaker at the University of the Virgin Islands Alfred O. Heath Distinguished Speakers Series. The event, part of UVI's Charter Week activities, is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Friday, March 21, at the Reichhold Center for the Arts on UVI's St. Thomas campus.

A videotape of the presentation will be shown on UVI's St. Croix campus at 6 p.m. on Thursday, March 27, in the Great Hall of the North West Wing.

Giovanni, a University Distinguished Professor at Virginia Tech, is one of America's most widely read poets. Her first book of poetry, "Black Feeling Black Talk," launched her 30-year publishing career. Several of her books have been on the Los Angeles Times and The New York Times Bestsellers list and have won awards, including NAACP Image Awards.

Giovanni is a graduate of Fisk University and has attended the University of Pennsylvania and Columbia University. She prides herself on being "a Black American, a daughter, a mother, a professor of English" who remains as determined and committed as ever to the fight for civil rights and equality. Giovanni has been called a "National Treasure" and was celebrated as one of Oprah Winfrey's twenty-five "Living Legends."

The recipient of some 25 honorary degrees, Giovanni has received many awards and commendations, including the Rosa L. Parks Woman of Courage Award, the Langston Hughes Medal for poetry and the Governor's Awards from both Tennessee and Virginia.

The public is invited to experience Giovanni live at the speaker series. Admission is free and seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Alfred O. Heath Distinguished Speakers Series offers the public a setting in which to hear nationally and internationally recognized individuals discuss issues related to the challenges and opportunities faced by the global community. The series is the University's way of recognizing and celebrating the outstanding person and accomplished citizen that is Dr. Alfred O. Heath. As a UVI trustee emeritus and chair of the Foundation for the University of the Virgin Islands, Dr. Heath is an ardent, longtime supporter of the mission of the University.

Past presenters of the Alfred O. Heath Distinguished Speakers Series were award-winning veteran journalist Charlayne Hunter-Gault, author and activist Randall Robinson, Caribbean Development Bank President Dr. Compton Bourne and former member of the U.S. House of Representatives the Hon. Ronald Dellums.

For more information about the Alfred O. Heath Distinguished Speakers Series call Michelle Smitherman at 693-1042.