HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 2017-4642, by Representatives Stanford and McBride

WHEREAS, In 1996, the Academy of American Poets established the month of April as National Poetry Month; and

WHEREAS, National Poetry Month highlights the extraordinary legacy and ongoing achievements of American poets, introduces Americans to the pleasures and benefits of reading poetry, assists teachers in bringing poetry into their classrooms, encourages the reading of poems, and encourages increased publication and distribution of poetry books; and

WHEREAS, Poetry is an essential part of the arts and humanities and affects every aspect of life in America today, including education, the economy, and development; and

WHEREAS, Poetry is a means for building community and culture, expressing deeply held beliefs and values, and passing on cultural heritage to future generations; and

WHEREAS, Poetry has been an inherent part of the work of many of the nation's leading creative artists and has inspired other artists in fields such as music, theatre, film, dance, and the visual arts;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives honor the Academy of American Poets' designation of the month of April as "National Poetry Month."