Celebrating National Poetry Month near and far

In honor of National Poetry Month in April, Andrews McMeel Publishing (AMP) is celebrating throughout the Kansas City community and across the country.

The Academy of American Poets founded National Poetry Month in April 1996 to celebrate the achievement of American poets and to encourage the support, consumption and publication of poetry. National Poetry Month has since grown to become the largest literary celebration in the world and is a central component of the contemporary poetry movement. This April, publishers, poets, schools, libraries and booksellers will laud the genre, which addresses social issues, promotes honesty, encourages self-love, upholds diversity and gives people a safe space to explore and share experiences.

The AMP office, located in downtown Kansas City, will display published poets and poems on its large exterior windows. Passersby can enjoy the artwork and engage online at Read Poetry and on the company’s social media pages.

AMP is also partnering with local organizations to spread poetry throughout the city in an inaugural initiative called KC Poetry on the Move. The campaign held a submissions contest for original poems that convey the sights, sounds and flavors of Kansas City. Winners will have their poetry featured on KC streetcars and will participate in readings at the independent bookstore Our Daily Nada, which will also host other prominent poetry events and performances.

On a national level, Read Poetry and Bowery Poetry will co-present These Are Our Words, a live poetry experience at the Bowery Poetry Club in New York City. The full-day event on April 7 includes readings, performances, panels, presentations and an open mic session.

We invite you to join in the month-long celebration. Pick up a book of poems, read a daily poem, peruse AAP’s online curated poetry collection or pen some poetry of your own. Connect with us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook to share what you’re reading and what inspires you to fuel the poetry renaissance.

Andrews McMeel Publishing

Andrews McMeel Publishing is a division of Andrews McMeel Universal, a global, independent and integrated media partner to creators of inspirational content, comics and illustrated humor. AMP is a recognized poetry leader, accounting for more than 40 percent of the U.S. poetry market, and a key player in bringing fresh voices to the world. Our distinguished and diverse roster of poets includes Rupi Kaur, Najwa Zebian, Amanda Lovelace, Courtney Peppernell and Lang Leav.