[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 145 (Monday, September 26, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1357]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      RECOGNIZING BLACK POETRY DAY

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                         HON. ELISE M. STEFANIK

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 26, 2016

  Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize Black 
Poetry Day which is celebrated on October 17th. Jupiter Hammon, a slave 
and poet who was born in my home state of New York on this day in 1711, 
was the first African American writer whose work was published in the 
United States.
   First recognized in 1985, we celebrate Black Poetry Day to honor 
past and present poets such as Langston Hughes, Phillis Wheatley, Frank 
X. Walker and Maya Angelou. The works of these and many more authors 
provide our students insight into both poetry and United States 
history.
   While not officially recognized as a holiday, SUNY Plattsburgh 
recognizes Black Poetry Day each year with a ceremony and a guest 
speaker. This event gives credence to the hard work and dedication of 
African Americans who have overcome adversity to express themselves 
through poetry.
   Thank you to SUNY Plattsburgh for your commitment to honoring this 
day by hosting events in celebration year after year. I want to wish 
you great success at this year's event.

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