Sha’Carri Richardson has always valued a close and supportive circle, which made the recent loss of poet Nikki Giovanni deeply impactful for her. Giovanni, celebrated for her work that highlighted Black joy and self-love, passed away at the age of 81 after battling cancer for the third time. Sha’Carri, who found inspiration in Giovanni’s work, expressed her grief by sharing a post on Instagram featuring a quote from the poet about self-love: “When you wake up in the morning… you have to say, ‘I love you,’ because it may be the only time you hear it.” Accompanying the quote, she added a heartfelt “Rest in peace” message.
Giovanni’s influence on Sha’Carri is evident in the athlete’s focus on positivity and self-love. Over the past few years, Sha’Carri has openly embraced a mindset of self-acceptance, frequently sharing affirmations about loving her mind, energy, and thoughts. This shift in perspective has resonated with fans, contrasting with her more controversial moments in the past.
Nikki Giovanni was a prominent figure in the Black Arts Movement, with works like Black Feeling, Black Talk and Those Who Ride the Night Winds inspiring generations. For Sha’Carri, Giovanni’s impact mirrored the profound losses in her life, including the death of her biological mother, which had a significant emotional effect. In 2021, shortly after learning about her mother’s passing from a reporter, Sha’Carri turned to THC to cope with her grief. This decision led to a positive drug test, barring her from competing in the Tokyo Olympics despite her outstanding performance in the NCAA Division I Outdoor Championships.
Throughout her journey, Sha’Carri has relied heavily on her family, especially her grandmother, Betty, affectionately known as “Big Momma.” Raised by Betty, Sha’Carri credits her grandmother’s support and advice, particularly the mantra “You start, you finish,” for shaping her resilience. While the loss of her mother temporarily derailed her career, Sha’Carri has since made a remarkable comeback, earning a silver medal at the Olympics. Her family continues to stand by her side, offering strength and encouragement as she navigates the challenges and triumphs of her career.
The tribute to Nikki Giovanni reflects Sha’Carri’s connection to the poet’s values and her own ongoing journey of personal growth and persev
erance.