SR0395 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0395 LRB104 14054 MST 27186 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Spoken word poetry has long served as a powerful and transformative medium for inner-city youth and marginalized communities, particularly Black artists, to express their lived experiences, creativity, and cultural identity; and

WHEREAS, Impactful initiatives, such as Louder Than a Bomb and P.O.E.T (People Of Extraordinary Talent), have provided mentorship, artistic development, and emotional healing to at-risk youth within Illinois' public schools and neighborhoods; and

WHEREAS, While April is recognized as National Poetry Month, its focus is primarily on literary, written, and academic forms of poetry, often excluding the dynamic performance-based tradition of spoken word; and

WHEREAS, Spoken word poetry, performed and lived in real time, serves as a vital tool for emotional expression, youth empowerment, community healing, and violence prevention across our great State; and

WHEREAS, The National Spoken Word Awards and National Spoken Word Fest, held annually in Chicago each September, have established Illinois as a national epicenter for spoken word artists, educators, and cultural innovators; and

WHEREAS, These events and related programming are anchored by the work of internationally acclaimed poet, activist, and Illinois native Blaq Ice, whose lifelong dedication to uplifting communities through spoken word has brought national attention and pride to our State; and

WHEREAS, Spoken word mentorship programs have demonstrated effectiveness in reducing youth violence by providing positive alternatives, leadership development, and creative platforms for expression; and

WHEREAS, Designating September as Spoken Word Month in Illinois will promote arts-based community engagement and cultural pride across generations, racial backgrounds, and geographic regions; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we declare September 2025 as Spoken Word Month in the State of Illinois; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we encourage collaboration among school districts, community organizations, cultural institutions, and youth development agencies to implement spoken word mentorship programs and events statewide during the month of September 2025; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we urge the State of Illinois to promote awareness and support for the National Spoken Word Awards and Festival held in Chicago through marketing, public outreach, and partnership with local and statewide arts agencies; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we recognize the positive social impact of spoken word as an art form, educational tool, and cultural beacon and that September 2025, will be a time to celebrate and elevate spoken word artists and organizations throughout the Land of Lincoln.