Make a Way Collector Mug is inspired by the words and legacy of Nikki Giovanni, an African American poet, writer, and teacher who encouraged generations of people to use their voices, trust their imagination, and keep going, even when life is hard. She was born in Knoxville, Tennessee, and was raised near Cincinnati, Ohio.
Nikki Giovanni became widely known in the late 1960s during the Black Arts Movement, a time when Black artists and writers used their work to speak up about identity, culture, and freedom. Her writing often focused on family, community, Black pride, and the beauty and strength found in everyday life. She wrote powerful poems that many people still quote today, including “Nikki-Rosa” and “Ego Tripping (there may be a reason why).”
She also spent many years teaching and mentoring students, including a long career at Virginia Tech, where she helped young people believe in their ideas and learn how to express themselves with confidence.
In 2007, there was a tragic shooting at Virginia Tech where many people were killed. At a memorial gathering, Nikki Giovanni wrote and read a poem called “We Are Virginia Tech” to comfort students and families and to help bring people together in grief. That moment showed how words can help people heal and hold on to hope.
Over her lifetime, she earned major honors for her work, including NAACP Image Awards and the Langston Hughes Medal, and she was even nominated for a Grammy for her spoken word poetry recording. She was also known for honest, powerful public conversations, including a well-known recorded conversation with writer James Baldwin.
One of her powerful reflections was this:
“Style has a profound meaning to Black Americans… We will take what we have to make what we need.”
These words connect directly to the message on this mug. The phrase “I am built to figure it out… gracefully” reflects that same spirit of resilience, creativity, and faith in moving forward.
The background artwork on this mug comes from an original painting created by my son, Lamonte. His imagination and creativity remind me that legacy is not only something we inherit, it is something we continue to build. This mug brings together Nikki Giovanni’s message and the next generation of artists in one everyday piece.
Designed by Philadelphia artist Andromeda Cook.
• Ceramic
• 11 oz mug dimensions: 3.79″ (9.6 cm) in height, 3.25″ (8.3 cm) in diameter
• 15 oz mug dimensions: 4.69″ (11.9 cm) in height, 3.35″ (8.5 cm) in diameter
• Lead and BPA-free material
• Colored rim, inside, and handle
• Dishwasher and microwave safe
