meet the anthology poets:

Nikky Finney

Nikky Finney (born 1957) is an acclaimed American poet, writer, and educator known for her vivid, socially conscious poetry that explores African American history, identity, and Southern culture. Born in Conway, South Carolina, and raised in a family of civil rights activists, Finney draws deeply from her roots in her work. She won the 2011 National Book Award for Poetry for "Head Off & Split," a collection that weaves together personal narrative with broader historical themes.

- public speaking
• 9/10/25
National Book Award for Poetry Acceptance Speech
- feature
• 9/10/25
Bringing new life to her community

Nikky Finney is a National Book Award winning-poet, professor and advocate for social justice and cultural preservation. Jeffrey Brown went to South Carolina to see how that mission has now taken on very personal meaning.
For educational purposes only.

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qK_m1hCi0Ps&t=50s
- poems
• 9/10/25
Miss Polly is Akimbo Underneath the Mother Emanuel Collection Table

Poet Nikky Finney reads her moving poem "Miss Polly is Akimbo Underneath the Mother Emanuel Collection Table," reflecting on memory, history, and resilience at Charleston's historic Mother Emanuel AME Church.
For educational purposes only.
Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QP8FHDoJJJQ&t=728s