Poet Nikki Giovanni Slams Ohio's Secy of State Ken Blackwell

[theHandpuppet]

You go, Nikki!

From the Cincinnati Enquirer: http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061015/NEWS01/610150362

Giovanni reviles Blackwell
BY HOWARD WILKINSON AND JENNIFER MROZOWSKI

If Ken Blackwell becomes Ohio's governor, don't look for Nikki Giovanni to be appointed the state's poet laureate.

Giovanni shocked the crowd Saturday as she read her dedicatory poem on Fountain Square by referring to Ohio Secretary of State Ken Blackwell, the Republican gubernatorial candidate, as a "son of a bitch" and a "political whore."

Giovanni, a Cincinnati native, read the poem she had written for the festivities titled "I am Cincinnati," a paean to all that is good and great about the Queen City.

It describes what it means to be a Cincinnatian, taking listeners on a historical and sometimes disturbing tour of the city.... MORE

Related article: http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061015/NEWS01/610150367

Square reopens with flourish
BY JENNIFER MROZOWSKI | ENQUIRER STAFF WRITER

Hundreds of people came to Fountain Square on Saturday to greet Cincinnati's First Lady, who has been on a vacation of sorts for the past two years, while her home at the historic square received a $43 million makeover.

(snipping)

There was even a moment of shock when poet Nikki Giovanni read her original poem called "I Am Cincinnati" that included profanity-laced criticism of Ohio Secretary of State and gubernatorial candidate Ken Blackwell.

[marmar]

1. She's never been one to bite her tongue...

And she was speaking the complete truth.

[Ian David]

2. I hope this poem makes it into Ohio Public School textbooks! n/t

[theHandpuppet]

3. Here's an excerpt

I am not a son of a bitch like Kenny Blackwell

...

I will not use the color of my skin to cover the hatred in my heart

I am not a political whore jumping from bed to bed to see who will stroke my knee

I am Mark Mallory

Talking to everyone

Walking with everyone

Listening to everyone

Leading by consensus, not fear

I am Cincinnati

[xchrom]

4. nikki is a hero!

great poet -- alive and confrontational -- what a wonderful woman!

[Connie_Corleone]

5. I wish I went now. LOLOLOLOL!!!!!

[theHandpuppet]

6. A "Good Mornin' America!" kick

:kick:

[samsingh]

7. good to see

[aaronbees]

8. I love it when poets get political

Hats off to ya, Nikki Giovanni :)