In 1995, motivated by the successes of Black History Month and Women’s History Month, the Academy of American Poets established National Poetry Month. They convened a group of publishers, booksellers, librarians, literary organizations, poets, and educators to discuss the need for a month dedicated to celebrating poetry. April was selected as the perfect month to promote poetry and inspire reading throughout the year. National Poetry Month officially began on April 1, 1996, when President Bill Clinton issued a proclamation recognizing it as an opportunity to celebrate the significant literary contributions of past poets and the diverse voices in contemporary American poetry. Mayors from several cities, including New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Tucson, and Washington, D.C., would also issue proclamations in the years to come in support of National Poetry Month.
During the month-long celebration, people are encouraged to write poetry and explore new works and poets. Numerous organizations, schools, booksellers, and institutions organize poetry readings, slams, and workshops. The Shirley Bradley LeFlore Foundation (SBLF) is hosting its first major event for National Poetry Month, collaborating with the Pulitzer Arts Foundation to launch THE ART OF CONVERSATION—a lively series hosted by Lyah Beth LeFlore-Ituen featuring discussions and performances with notable figures in literature, theater, dance, and music for a live audience. The first interview will occur on Thursday, April 24, 2025, at 6:00 PM, featuring acclaimed poet Tara Betts at the Pulitzer Arts Foundation in St. Louis’ Grand Center Arts District. Admission is free.
As SBLF is centered around poetry and our year-round activities focus on poets, in Fall 2025 we will present several exciting events, including CHiLDREN OF THE SUN, a chorepoem by Shirley Bradley Price LeFlore, on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at the Grande Theatre in St. Louis.
Over the years, National Poetry Month has evolved into the largest literary celebration globally, but it is the poets who truly highlight poetry’s significance in our culture and daily lives throughout the year. This is what our namesake, the late St. Louis Poet Laureate Emeritus Shirley Bradley Price LeFlore, and many other talented poets, especially in the St. Louis community, strive for through their performances, publications, and shared works.
Happy National Poetry Month!
