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via NationalDayCalendar:
Black Poetry Day is observed annually on October 17. This is a day to honor past and present black poets.
Black Poetry Day celebrates the importance of black heritage and literacy and the contributions made by black poets. It is a day to appreciate black authors.
Jupiter Hammon, the first published black poet in the United States, was born in Long Island, New York, on October 17, 1711. In honor of Hammon’s birth, we celebrate the contributions of all African Americans to the world of poetry.
Take up a quiet spot at the library to read many of the talented black poets from around the world. Or find a poetry reading at a nearby bookstore, cultural or arts center like the Furious Flower Poetry Center at James Madison University. The first center of its kind in the United States, The Furious Flower’s name is inspired by a poem written by former U.S. Poet Laureate Gwendolyn Brooks. While they don’t have a reading scheduled on Black Poetry Day, they have a growing collection of resources, offer workshops and so much more.
Host a poetry slam in your living room, front step, or in the break room. Encourage a black poet you know.
HOW TO OBSERVE
Pick up some poetry written by black poets and use #BlackPoetryDay to post on social media.
HISTORY
Black Poetry Day was established in 1985.
