Nikki Giovanni Day – Proclamation Presentation from Mayor Brown at St. John Baptist Church - Back

On April 6, 2008, SJBC was blessed with a visit from the infamous poet, Nikki Giovanni. Ms. Giovanni was in Buffalo for the 'Poetry and Music Celebration' which was held at Kleinhan's Music Hall. The event was sponsored by the Buffalo and Williamsville public schools.

Upon notification of Ms. Giovanni's visit to the Buffalo area, she graciously accepted our invitation to dine and worship with us Sunday morning. In his introduction of Ms. Giovanni, Pastor Chapman reflected,

" We have a special occasion this morning…truly the individual that is with us has been an icon for our community and our ethnicity and for the consciousness of America…."

 The Honorable Mayor Brown echoed similar sentiments in his remarks relating to Ms. Giovanni;

" St. John Baptist Church has been blessed in so many ways - it seems that over the past few months this church has literally been a magnet for some of the most renowned and influential ministers of the gospel on this planet, and today, we are honored, and privileged, yet again, to have a special person in our midst…she is one of the best known poets in the world, and she has a unique talent that she is endowed with that can truly come from one place, and that's from God."

 Mayor Brown presented Ms. Giovanni with a Proclamation that deemed April 6, 2008 as 'Nikki Giovanni Day' in the City of Buffalo.

In true Lady Giovanni form, SJBC congregation was blessed with a sacred poem narrative. To purchase a CD copy of the worship service, please contact St. John Baptist Church at 852-4504.