National Poetry Month is the largest literary celebration in the world. Established in 1996 by the Academy of American Poets, it is designed to mark the crucial place poetry has in our society while encouraging anyone and everyone to read and create poetry. By setting aside the month of April to appreciate poetry, other goals are:
- To support and encourage poets.
- To increase the publication of poetry books.
- To help teachers bring poetry into the classroom.
- To increase the attention paid to poetry in the media.
The Franklin Township Library is offering a number of ways in which you can get involved in National Poetry Month 2018. Here are two library events that are examples:
Thursday, 4/5 at 6:30pm: The Reactivation Series Open Mic Night
An open mic for opening minds in these turbulent times; we accept all talent of all ages,
but we keep it clean! Hosted by Black Moses and featuring artwork by talented artists in
the Tri-State area with music provided by Jargon. Join the Somerset Renaissance, bring
your favorite instrument, voice, lyrics, words, laughs, or just stop in and enjoy the show!
Artist registration is required, sign up HERE today!
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mRxuOlL-5Rs&w=560&h=315]
Here is a clip of the jam session that opened the Reactivation Series on 4/2/2018!
Monday, 4/30 at 7pm: Langston Hughes: Jazz Poet, Social Activist
Actor Keith Henley from the American Historical Theatre portrays Langston Hughes in
celebration of National Poetry Month.
Langston Hughes was a poet who utilized the American language, music, slang and religious
views to educate the world about African American lifestyles during the Harlem Renaissance.
His jazz poetry depicted the ‘low-life’, or the real life experiences of blacks in the lower social-
economic strata. His criticisms focused on the divisions, and prejudices, based on skin color
within the black community.
Henley’s portrayal deals with the issue of how to be oneself, and encourages all to joy in the
knowledge that ‘I too have a song to sing” and to ask the question ‘why not me?”
Please register HERE.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4CUKyVrhPgM&w=560&h=315]
Here is a short audio recording of Langston Hughes reading and discussing his famous poem, “I, Too.”
Thanks for reading! We’re looking forward to celebrating poetry at the library this month with you!
-George, FTPL
