Title
Declaring April 2025 as National Poetry Month in the City of Philadelphia and recognizing the profound impact of poetry on Philadelphia's cultural, educational, and social landscape.
Body
WHEREAS, National Poetry Month was established by the Academy of American Poets in April 1996 and is celebrated annually in April to encourage individuals of all ages to write, read, and share poetry in an effort to remind us of poetry's significance to our culture; and
WHEREAS, The Academy of American Poets, founded in 1934 is a national, member supported organization that champions American poetry and poets and fosters appreciation for the art form through various initiatives including National Poetry Month, Teach This Poem, Poetry Coalition, American Poets magazine, Poets.org, Poem-a-Day, and numerous poetry awards; and
WHEREAS, Declaring April to be National Poetry Month honors the Ccity of Philadelphia's rich poetic heritage, celebrates contemporary contributions, and acknowledges the transformative work of local poets and organizations. Poetry and poets have had a profound impact on Philadelphia, shaping its cultural identity, activism and artistic movements over the years through artistic and literary innovation; and
WHEREAS, Philadelphia has a storied history of poetic excellence, serving as home and inspiration to many influential poets, including Edgar Allan Poe, Ursula Rucker, Major Jackson, Yolanda Wisher, Sonia Sanchez and Trapeta B. Mayson who have contributed to the City's poetic vibrancy; and
WHEREAS, Sonia Sanchez was instrumental in advancing the Black Arts Movement using poetry as a tool for empowerment/activism. Ursula Rucker blends poetry with spoken word, performance, and music - influencing and collaborating with the City's hip-hop communities. CAConrad is a pioneer of avant-garde approach to contemporary poetry with their Somatic poetry movement; and
WHEREAS, Philadelphia's commitment to poetry is evident through a variety of ongoing instit...
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