ABOUT US
Welcome to BlackPoetryDay.com! Our site is still underway, but take a look around to learn more about us.
National Black Poetry Day is October 17th! The day was initially originated in 1970 and officially established in 1985 by Oregon as a day to honor past, present (and future) Black poets, and to celebrate the importance of Black heritage and literacy along with the contributions made by Black poets and writers. The day is in honor of Jupiter Hammon, considered the first published Black poet in the United States. He was born October 17, 1711, in Long Island, NY.
BlackPoetryDay.com is the official site to showcase events leading up to Black Poetry Day! While we especially celebrate on October 17th, Black Poetry Day is every day.
COMMEMORATE
Honor and learn about Black poets of the past and present who give voice to Black Americans, who provide a commentary to the world and who speak to the worth and dignity of all humans.
CULTIVATE
Get inspired with the latest news about Black poets along with other poets in America and beyond, connect with peers, and discover valuable resources to benefit you as a Black writer and creative.
ELEVATE
Recognize the courage, compassion and verbal finesse of wordsmiths! Participate in the celebration by planning an event or events for Black Poetry Day. NBPD will have resources to assist you in your planning.
BLACK POETRY 365
In addition to performance poetry and other spoken word events, this calendar sometimes highlights poetic events in the form of art, fashion, film, literature, music, dance and theater. You will soon be able to submit your Black Poetry Day events and other Black poetry events to the calendar; please email us to let us know about an event for us to promote. Appropriate events are those organized by, produced by, hosted by or featuring Black poets and writers.
CONTACT US
Please reach out to us with your questions or suggestions and how you can get involved.
We ask organizers and attendees to post photos, posters, videos and anything else you might like to share on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Tag us @BlackPoetryDay on all platforms so we can support your activities, as well as use the hashtags #BlackPoetryDay (for October 17th) or #BlackPoetry365 (for all other days) to inspire the world with Black poets.
National Black Poetry Day is currently headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona.