Nikki Giovanni is considered a leader in the black oral poetry movement, and one of America's most cherished literary treasures. Her poetic language and rhythms reflect jazz and blues. The focus of Giovanni's work has changed frequently, mirroring her view that life itself is fluid and that change is necessary for growth. Ms. Giovanni will be seen next on Russell Simmons Def Poetry Jam and on the compilation CD of Tupac Shakur's poetry The Rose That Grew From Concrete.