Assembly Resolution No. 183
BY: M. of A. Seawright
MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim
April 2021, as Poetry Month in the State of New York
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize
official months that are set aside to realize the beauty of poetry and
how it is enjoyed by many citizens of New York State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim April 2021, as Poetry
Month in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of
National Poetry Month; and
WHEREAS, National Poetry Month seeks to emphasize the extraordinary
legacy of American poetry, promote the publishing of the works of modern
poets, and make poetry an important part of our children's education;
and
WHEREAS, We commemorate this month in special recognition of the
late Florence Howe, native New Yorker, graduate of Hunter College,
champion of the women's liberation movement, and founder of the Feminist
Press which made available "a legacy of writings by and about women" by
publishing and republishing works of authors that include: Zora Neale
Hurston, Willa Cather, and Alice Walker; and
WHEREAS, As we celebrate the life and work of Florence Howe, we
dedicate ourselves to proclaim this month as Poetry Month in an effort
to promote the works of New York State poets as she did in her numerous
literary anthologies; and
WHEREAS, New York State has been home to some of the most important
writers in the history of poetry, including: Walt Whitman, the
revolutionary poet who introduced the world to modern day poetry; Emma
Lazarus, the author of "The New Colossus" affixed upon the base of the
Statue of Liberty; Langston Hughes, one of the most famous writers of
the Harlem Renaissance; Allan Ginsberg, the poet who defined the Beat
generation; Audre Lord, the internationally renowned poet and activist
who spoke of her experience as a black lesbian woman; Eileen Myles, "the
rock star of modern poetry"; and so many more; and
WHEREAS, In 2005, the Empire State Building was illuminated with
blue lights in celebration of the 10th Anniversary of National Poetry
Month; and
WHEREAS, New York is internationally recognized as the birthplace of
the New York School of Poets in the 1960s, an artistic movement like no
other that revolutionized American poetry with influences of literary
surrealism and abstract expressionist painting; and
WHEREAS, Poetry and activism have so often converged in the history
of our State during the abolition, suffrage, sexual liberation, and
civil rights movements, and we must honor all the poets who dedicated
their lives to improving the conditions of our great Empire State; and
WHEREAS, Poetry Month seeks to introduce Americans to the continuous
achievements of American poets and women writers in particular; and
WHEREAS, The New York Public Library hosts readings, discussions,
and events every April to commemorate National Poetry Month with a focus
on Persian Poetry by Women for the April 2021 event; and
WHEREAS, Poetry Month is consistent with New York City's annual
participation in Poem in Your Pocket Day; and
WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to commemorate
and increase awareness of influential women poets and their increasing
contribution to the ongoing fight for gender equality and recognition;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim April 2021, as Poetry
Month in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of
National Poetry Month, to urge all residents to observe this month, and
to celebrate the riches our community has to offer; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of
New York.
