Celebrated Poet, Activist and Educator Headlines Launch of UMD's Frederick Douglass Center

The acclaimed poet joined the University of Maryland community to discuss her work and the importance of the humanities in shaping social change.

On April 24, 2024, The College of Arts and Humanities (ARHU) celebrated the launch of the new Frederick Douglass Center for Leadership Through the Humanities with an address by renowned poet, educator and activist Nikki Giovanni. Held at the Brendan Iribe Center's Michael Antonov Auditorium, the event featured Giovanni in conversation with ARHU Associate Dean Gershun Avilez and Dean Stephanie Shonekan, discussing her decades long career and her work exploring race, gender, sexuality and the African American family–themes that have inspired generations to fight for change. 

The evening brought together students, faculty, and community members to celebrate the center's dedication to engaging diverse communities around issues of social justice and equity and cultivating leaders grounded in the values of the humanities. Following the discussion, Giovanni participated in an interactive Q&A session in which audience members asked questions about her work, inspirations and views on contemporary social issues. 

The launch of the Douglass Center underscores the university's commitment to using the humanities as a catalyst for leadership and change, embodying the legacy of the abolitionist for whom it is named. This event was co-sponsored by the College of Arts and Humanities, Arts for All and the Division of Student Affairs.