Nikki Giovanni: "We Are Virginia Tech!"

[hawks51katie22]

Praying that VA Tech stays forever safe and united <3

Although today I am a Saint Joseph's Hawk, on that day, like everyone else, I was a Hokie.

Love and prayers from Hawk Hill to Hokie Nation

[musicismymotive]

Wow. this really had me in tears. Let's go Hokies!

[ATBigger]

A T was here to comment

♥♥♥HUG LOVE♥♥♥

:-)

[albinoblackduck]

Today, the fourth anniversary of this tragedy, we are still Hokies, and we always will be. We have and we WILL PREVAIL!

~A Hokie.

[godeda24]

So close to the 4th anniversary, this still brings me to tears. I was in high school when this tragedy happened, but the way the hokie nation came together is what made me choose virginia tech for my degree.

Hokie Strong.

[fifthmiracle2874]

Crying right now...We love you all

[wbrutus22]

Check out her interview on The Vanguard Element

[fesdude100]

jesus spoke to me through this poem he told me to be thankful for what i have im so thankful i saw this poem what a gift nicki giovanni is to america!

[Camoern]

over three and a half years later and this speech still inspires so much. on that day...we all became virginia tech

[RainydayXSuicide]

I may not be a Hokie...But that day we were ALL Hokies....

And we still are <3

Never Forget. 4.17.07 <3

[loveuforever23]

she came to my school today and spoke it was amazing EWHS :)

[FlyingArmpit]

I was there. 

[KidCooliiio]

hopes one day he won't cry when seeing this, but knows he never will stop feeling the pain of that moment, if only to help others to get through their pain today.  Thank you Nikki, for the millionth time, for saying what need to be said.

[iranfifa8]

From the Nittany Nation to the Hokie Nation, no one will forget this tragedy. On that day, I was in high school. I was a North Allegheny High School Tiger, but on that day, everyone was a Virginia Tech Hokie. God bless.

[blondie5716]

i was in that stadium during this speech the whole time i listned to president bush and all the other people all i thought of was jarrett lane who was one of the victim i grew up in the same town as him narrows and all i have to say is we are virginia tech and we are hokies united

[TheAtlantabrave]

We will prevail, we will prevail because we are, virginia tech.

[crazyswimmer222]

This... This is what truly inspired me to join the Hokie Nation. The way these true, genuine people can topple a mammoth blockade only to come out the other side stronger than ever is just... just... There are no words to describe it.

[GHSgrad2006]

I transferred to Virginia Tech my sophomore year from George Mason University, and I remember watching what happened that day on TV. My mom called me that day telling me that something bad was going on at Tech, so I turned on my TV and I couldn't believe that someone would kill 32 people. At the time, I didn't know if I got in yet, but I found out I got in a day later. Seeing all the support from this tragedy made me want to go, and I'm glad I did. I am a Hokie for life.

[bodaciousboger]

I am a Hokie

<3 <3 <3

neVer forgeT

[HokieGirl21]

I saw this in person that day and it moved me as much today as it did then. I remember the feeling when we all started chanting and I just burst into tears. I was a freshman when this happened and 3 years later as a senior I still can't believe what a wonderful community Virginia Tech is. neVer forgeT. Let's Go Hokies!!!

[beawomanonfire]

This is so beautiful I can't stop watching and crying and celebrating this treasure of a woman Nikki Giovanni.

[DarkDragon127]

This still brings tears to my eyes. I'm a freshmen at Virginia Tech. The way the Hokie Nation came together after this tragedy is what made me choose this school. The way this school makes you feel can't be duplicated, it truly is one big family, and I love every minute I spend here!

[tomparkie021]

GIves me chills from the minute she starts to finishes..

[celds112]

it is almost 3 years later and i can not get through this without tears, I lived in Lee 4-16-07 and will never forget that day, Every Hokie is a member of family no one can relate to us

[kai780729]

respect!!

[NATIONcapitals]

Very well said!!!

[cooldude1014505]

i was just motivated and inspired. that was beautiful

[professorbananas]

amazing speech!

[jdgladish]

Very inspiring. All that was missing at the end was Nikki Giovanni grabbing the mic and slamming it down gangsta rapper style when she was done. I don't even like Va Tech and I was moved.

[FREEDEJATAYLOR]

"We are sad enough to know we must laugh again"

[mickslim222]

What a great video. I live here and went to Tech and have never seen a finer moment to such a tragedy as this was.

[lindsay18]

let's go Hokies!

[aleopold32]

Amazing.

[semajws]

I remember watching this on TV with tears in my eyes. What a beautiful piece of poetry. Ms. Giovanni captured the true essence of how all of Virginia Tech (and frankly, all of America) was feeling at that moment.

That 'let's go Hokies' chant was one of the most emotionally-charged chants you will ever hear.

Also, the song is beautiful.

[Rika8]

I've never heard anyone give such an empowering speech that so beautifully captured the Hokie spirit.

I am so very proud to be a Hokie... Thank you Ms. Giovanni, thank you.

[ktlvsvt]

When she gave this speech i have never been prouder to be a Hokie.

We will prevail, we ARE Virginia Tech!!!!!

I love you hokies.

[DarkDragon127]

It's moments like these, where everyone can come together, that makes me so proud to be a Hokie.

[academiccuriosity]

I was in that room not 30 feet away crying for my friends I had lost when she said this. She gave me permission to stand up and take my world back...to realize that I was no longer a victim but a charged and fueled Hokie ready to invent the future.

World, you were there for the Hokies when we needed you. We will work endlessly for you in return. We will prevail. Watch us and know you can achieve anything.

[ugotstobkidn]

This gentle little woman was such an inspirition with her fiery,loving,bittersweet,poetr­y in the 70's. A revolutionary voice "..I am a gazelle so swift, so swift, you can't catch me...I mean I can fly... like a bird in the sky..." (Ego Tripping) This wonderful woman is living proof that the pen is mightier than the sword. A few more like her and we may be able to save the world.

[navywrestler3]

what a perfect way to bring together a broken nation together.

truly powerful

[PoetikkApoztle]

I love her she is so much better than Maya Angelou; I have always thought So She is one of the reasons I love poetry!!!

[ChicagoStar1]

I love Nikki G with a passion...Her poetry is not just that. Her poems are timeless masterpieces and inspirational anthologies of work. I' m reading 3 of her best books at the same time and I write myself so this is definetly special to me. Much love!

[redheadsrule77]

I remember the day this speech was given and how moved I was.

[xmisschelssx]

this the most moving speech i've ever heard in my life.

<3

[AZuechMusic]

I'm writing a paper on Giovanni... this is the most inspiring of all her writing though... What song is played in the video and who's it by?

[nellkavita]

the song is by Sigur Ros. I am not sure what the title is but you should check them out everything by them is beautiful.

[Tryan5]

Heysátan by Sigur Rós

[hokiesash19]

i luv her she is soo nice ! ...

[etrnldragon]

i remember, i was in the stadium, as i was leaving you could hear the chant from outside. very powerful.

4/16/07 I bleed orange and maroon.

[scrp2007]

we are all hokies, we are virginia tech

4/16/07

[jcrocker15]

Never before or since has such few words lifted the spirits so quickly for so many as this speech did

[gepanda27]

this is a truly inspiring speech. :')

[VTHOKIE4EVER]

The most inspiring speech I have ever witnessed.

[ktlvsvt]

amen to that

[brkissesxo]

shes a powerful poet!! it gave me chills! i saw one of her lectures tonight..she is amazing!

[RaiderEleven]

Powerful, powerful, powerful!! Nikki is an amazing poet and powerful speaker.

[VTHokiesalltheway]

This sends chills down my back every time! We will prevail, we will prevail, we will prevail, we are VIRGINIA TECH!!!!!!!!!! GO HOKIES

[vthokiefan10]

thank you so much hokie850, this brings back tearful memories of that day

WE WILL PREVAIL!!!

[rissey81]

wow totally powerful

[nrocksdrums14]

wow

[ofuku92]

The fact that everyone was able to stand strong after this is so inspiring!

[ODawg102]

Rest In Peace to Dr. Hikes, featured at the end of this video. Your Hokie Nation is with you.

[stephenjob]

God bless you all

[abrahamer34]

Major chills..

[Demmary]

this is a 6 star rated item on a scale where 5 stars is the best. NEVER Forget! I am NOT a good person, but the next day my son was scheduled to be in the VERY room that most of the people got shot... I hope all of you remember this and hug your children EVERY time you can and tell them you love them so very much!

[HoKiEsrcool]

I get the chills when i hear or see this poem. excellent. just excellnt.

[krisx14]

most amazing speech ive ever heard...whats the music in the backround?

[aperagalloc]

Sigur-Rós - Heysátan

[Ipoohmypants11]

i still cant believe that actually happened.

We are Virginia Tech.

We Will Prevail.

4.16.07

[Mutch820]

Once again "Today we are ALL Hokies"!

[bassmastaflex91]

so hard to believe this was a year ago

i still cry everytime

[Mutch820]

Same here my good friend. Today we are ALL Hokies! Classes are canceled for the day and my son will be home to hang out and then return to classes tomorrow. I'm wearing my shirt with pride!

[trueternalthug]

Hokie850 .. awesome work with the video edit man.. thanks for putting this up .. we will survive .. we will prevail .. 4.16.08 ..

[ERICAMUR90]

wow nice beautiful!!!

[kailyncarter]

i was there during this speech and it still gives me chills everytime. it's almost been a year and we all still miss the 32!

God Bless the Hokie Nation.

[5namasta2]

We ARE Virginia Tech ! We are the Hokies ! ! Thank you Niki, for your powerful, healing words of rememberance - We WILL PREVAIL ! !

[KPG102195]

In Memory of The Virginia Tech tradgedy

[agbook2007]

The iconic moment of such a sad tragedy.

The Aggies are with you still in heart and mind and spirit. We all shall prevail.

[ashisnice]

i go 2 penn state and i am with VT all the way

[hokiecritter2010]

WE ARE THE HOKIES!!!

[Davja146]

Hey, what song is playing in the background? I can't quite understand the lyrics... Thanks!

[Jessalicious08]

Beautiful. Just plain beautiful!

[tihseht]

i love giovanni, i love tech. ive never watched this speech with dry eyes. shes amazing

[suidafrika1987]

This speech is amazing...

We are Virginia Tech, We will Prevail.

[rpyouknowme505]

one word about that speech... Wow!

oh and another four words.... Best speech ever written!! ( or in her case said )

[ironhead161]

Very strong words :) touched my heart

[13scarecrows]

Go Hokies!

[abrahamer34]

one word...GOOSEPUMPS...='(

[PrincessSCVA]

This made me cry she was an amazing speaker at a horrible time

God bless VT

[sleaterkinney1bt]

made me cry. it was beautiful.

[poetnathan]

Go Nikki - We are the answer - "NOT THEM"

[fretboarddancer]

Inspiring.

[XraSpecial]

I love her.

[meddymo]

I was here when this happened. My mother-in-law works in the Engineering dept--one of the hardest hit. She lost 7 of her students and the professsor she worked with (Dr. G.V. Loganathan). The events of April 16th were horrifying for us and everyone here in the Hokie nation. Whatever you or I may think of Ms. Giovanni, her speech at the convocation was exactly was stirring and the perfect end to the ceremony. Thank you for posting this video. By the way, what song is that?

[malanaranja]

Im not even close to Virginia Tech...actually Im in Canada but I think that no matter where your from you feel the tradegy of people just like everyone else No one is worth more than anybody else because no one is worth less than anyone else we are all equal... Wonderful speech

[somylifesucks]

Wonderful speach. It gives me chills, and brings tears to my eyes.

[Foslopac]

That's a gorgeous video. Excellent work.

[AlwaysAColonel]

We still today continue to miss and honor all 33 victims that lost there life that horrible day! Virginia Tech, is not just a college, its the home to the largest and most powerful sprit and pride! We at William Fleming high School (Roanoke, VA) cont. to miss Hehn Ly! Hehn is missed and loved by all! RIP Hehn, RIP HOKIES!! "WE ARE THE HOKIES, WE WILL PREVAIL, WE ARE.. VIRGINIA TECH!!!"

[M1i2K3E4]

lest we not forget.

[samusamu]

i'm assuming you mean "lest we forget."

[Jody519]

This was the most impressive speech i've ever seen, the music just helped.  Good Add.

[alex965189]

gives me chills everytime

[Anarchy80]

That's a great speech!

I don't know her but I'm proud of Nikki!

[bradsweb2]

Song is "Heysátan" by Sigur Rós

[unckid09]

I'm a UNC fan, but we are all hokies now, god bless the hokie nation!

[gjtheteddybear]

BEAUTIFULY STATED!!!!!

[jommyjeans]

Great speech, I love the song too, what's the name of the song?

[jimmysudar]

what only a poet could do. thank you nikki and thanks to whoever posted it.

[VERB423]

this is so touching. i love this video, and that speach! VT<3

[TheRealJChristopher]

nikki is amazing... brave woman

[natsmom24]

I still get goosebumps everytime I see this......

God Bless You Hokies!! :)

Ball State Alum

[rhye247]

thank you nikki giovanni

[daffodil531]

thank you so much for posting this, for once i cried happy tears :)

we are virginia tech!

[Tryan5]

Sigur Rós in the background is perfect for this, the speech was beautiful.

[VERB423]

what song is that?! i want itttt

[Tryan5]

Heysátan - Sigur Rós

Hoppipolla, Glósóli, Starálfur, Starálfur, Gong, Olsen Olsen.... jeez they're all good.

[ReeseyPiecey34]

Very powerful speach!

[cinnamoncluster]

simple...beautiful

[meghan221]

"32 of our friends are trying to explain to Heaven what a Hokie is."

We will never, ever forget 4.16.07.

We ARE Virginia Tech.

[meghan221]

"32 of our friends are trying to explain to Heaven what a Hokie is."

We will never, ever forget.

[adamlyon]

LET'S GO HOKIES!!! This video gave me chills, and made me slightly teary eyed. Beautiful video, excellent speech, and very motivational... LET'S GO HOKIES!

[djorower]

beautiful

We will NEVER forget, we will stay strong.

[ereldar]

This is the kind of love that makes humanity great, and shines in the darkness that surrounds today

[lmtrione]

damn that woman can write a moving speech. she could probably have been up there talking about peanut butter and it would have sounded as amazing as this. i am not comparing the deaths to peanut butter mind you, i am saying that she is a very charismatic speaker.

[je181194]

Truly remarkable words...

[kah2889]

simply beautiful...

[liquidlifehacker]

God bless the victims families and friends!

These are dark days....

Stay strong and never stop reaching for the light!

[sklermbot]

brilliant

[edmhbr]

how sad

[basebn]

what's the name of the song in this video?

[jimsteele1222]

It's called "heysátan" (track 11), off the album "takk..." by the band sigur rós. heysátan is apparently icelandic for "haystack".