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.
