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The event coincides with the birthday of the late great American poet, Maya Angelou. She also was a memoirist and civil rights activist who published seven autobiographies, three books of essays, several books of poetry, and is credited with a list of plays, movies, and television shows spanning more than 50 years. She received dozens of awards and more than 50 honorary degrees. In 1993, she became the second poet in history to read a poem at a presidential inauguration.
Launched by the Academy of American Poets in April 1996, National Poetry Month reminds the public that poets have an integral role to play in our culture and that poetry matters. Over the years, it has become the largest literary celebration in the world, with tens of millions of readers, students, K–12 teachers, librarians, booksellers, literary events curators, publishers, families, and—of course—poets, helping to celebrate.
All are welcome to attend — including students, faculty, staff, and community members — and to take part by reading their own poems or works by Angelou or other authors.
The Black Student Association held a Poetry Slam at Root in February in celebration of Black History Month, and organizers said the success of that event prompted them to plan a sequel.
Attendees may enter through the front or back door; a public parking lot is located in the rear.
