The City of Alexandria Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities announced on Mar. 25 a series of events and activities to mark National Poetry Month in April. The city will feature poetry across local transit, schools, businesses, libraries, and recreation centers throughout the month.
National Poetry Month was designated by the Academy of American Poets to celebrate poetry’s role in daily life. Alexandria residents are encouraged to participate in readings and writing activities during April as part of this national celebration.
A highlight includes the placement of new DASHing Words in Motion poems on DASH buses and trolleys. Other scheduled events include a Creative Pathways – Poetry Panel at Northern Virginia Community College–Alexandria on Wednesday, April 8 from noon to 2 p.m., where Poet Laureates and poets will discuss their creative work. Registration is required for this panel by emailing poet@alexandriava.gov.
On Sunday, April 12 from 2–4 p.m., there will be a welcome reception for Cristi Donoso, City of Alexandria Poet Laureate, at Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library. Attendees can meet Donoso and learn about her vision for the Poet Laureate Program during her tenure.
Cristi Donoso will also lead the “Poem in Your Pocket Celebration” on Thursday, April 23 at The Athenaeum from 6:30–8 p.m., joined by poets whose work appears inside DASH buses and trolleys this month. Reservations are encouraged due to limited seating; those interested can email poet@alexandriava.gov if they wish to read a poem or attend.
According to the official website, Alexandria’s museums and historic sites contribute to community identity through interpretation of local social and cultural history according to the official website. The city maintains institutions such as the Alexandria Black History Museum that document African American heritage as noted on the official website. Racial and social equity is incorporated into policies with an aim toward fair outcomes per the official website. As an independent city operating under a council-manager government structure according to the official website, Alexandria provides services within its defined boundaries according to the official website.
The broader effort includes partnerships through commissions like the Alexandria Archaeological Commission that collaborate with agencies and residents for archaeological research according to the official website.
For more information about participating or attending events during National Poetry Month—or accessing translation or disability accommodation services—residents may contact poet@alexandriava.gov or call Cheryl Anne Colton at 703-746-5565.
