National Poetry Month

Poets such as Emily Dickinson, Walt Whitman, and many others are widely celebrated throughout the month of April. Why, you might ask? Because April is National Poetry Month. It was first established in 1996. In the United States, the month was launched by the Academy of American poets. It is celebrated through poetry readings, free writing workshops, art installations, and local festivals. The concept was first thought of in June of 1995. Members of the academy met with literary organizations and other prominent literary figures. The month of celebration was first inspired by Black History Month and Women’s History Month, where the Academy had anticipated providing supplementary events to support and show allyship to those communities. In its first year, the Academy chose to hand out copies of poems on the busy streets of the BIg Apple, and other literary organizations hosted interactive events as well. While some find this holiday slightly demeaning and as a way to promote and publicize poetry for profit, the majority of people find joy in celebrating one of the only things that has been able to bring us closer throughout these difficult times–poetry.