Who is Nikki Giovanni from The Rose That Grew from Concrete and what is their importance?

Nikki Giovanni (1973 - ) is a poet, activist, feminist and writer who is well known for her outspoken views on a number of topics, including racial equality. Giovanni is also a Distinguished Professor at Virginia Tech's English Department. Giovanni was present at the Virginia Tech Massacre and in fact, taught the shooter in one of her poetry classes. Giovanni referred to the shooter, Seung-Hui Cho, as "downright mean" and sought to have him removed from her class. Giovanni was one of the professors that came forth after the tragedy to try to ease the pain of colleagues and students.