title
PROPOSED RESOLUTION
RECOGNIZING GREGORIO GOMEZ DURING NATIONAL POETRY MONTH THIS APRIL 2026
WHEREAS, the Academy of American Poets established the month of April as National Poetry Month in 1996, and April 30, 2026, marks the 30th anniversary of this observance, which highlights the cultural importance of poetry and the vital role poets play in society; and
WHEREAS, National Poetry Month seeks to celebrate the extraordinary legacy and ongoing achievements of American poets; introduce individuals across the nation to the pleasures and benefits of reading poetry; bring poets and poetry to the public in immediate and innovative ways; and make poetry an essential part of children’s education; and
WHEREAS, National Poetry Month, originally convened by publishers, booksellers, librarians, literary organizations, poets, and educators, has grown into a nationwide celebration that not only honors American poets but also connects the public to the rich legacy of poetry and the work of contemporary poets; and
WHEREAS, under the leadership of the Academy of American Poets, National Poetry Month has become the largest literary celebration in the world; and
WHEREAS, poetry enhances and enriches the lives of all Americans; and
WHEREAS, poetry, as an essential part of the arts and humanities, impacts many aspects of life in the United States, including education, the economy, and community pride and development; and
WHEREAS, poetry has produced some of the nation’s leading creative artists and has inspired creators in fields such as music, theatre, film, dance, and the visual arts; and
WHEREAS, poetry has historically served as a powerful force in cultural and political movements, giving voice to communities, inspiring social change, and preserving collective memory across generations; and
WHEREAS, Cook County is home to great American poets, including Gwendolyn Brooks, Carl Sandburg, and Angela Jackson; and
WHEREAS, Gregorio Gómez Aguayo, an emigrant from Veracruz, México, is an accomplished writer, director, producer, and cultural organizer whose work exemplifies the transformative power of poetry; and
WHEREAS, Gregorio Gómez Aguayo has been a central figure in Chicago’s Latino artistic and spoken word communities for more than three decades, contributing significantly to the city’s vibrant literary landscape; and
WHEREAS, he is widely recognized as the host of the influential open mic series Weeds Live Poetry, a space that has nurtured generations of poets and strengthened the spoken word community; and
WHEREAS, in 2025, he received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Chicago Hip Hop Heritage Museum in recognition of his enduring contributions to arts and culture; and
WHEREAS, his body of work includes recent projects such as With a Photograph (2022), a poetry booklet accompanied by a CD, and the production of Bohemios de Poesía Urbanos (2023) at Teatro Aguijón, as well as publications in respected literary magazines and anthologies including Eclectica, Stray Bullets (Tía Chucha Press), Poetry for Peace, and Not My President; and
WHEREAS, he recently published his 2026 poetry collection, REQUIEM: Journey thru a Poetic Odyssey, further contributing to the richness of contemporary poetry; and
WHEREAS, his work continues to inspire, uplift, and amplify diverse voices while strengthening cultural identity and artistic expression through poetry; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Cook County Board of Commissioners recognizes April 2026 as the 30th Anniversary of National Poetry Month and celebrates the enduring impact of poetry in enriching our culture, strengthening our communities, and inspiring generations; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Cook County Board of Commissioners commends Gregorio Gómez Aguayo for his outstanding contributions to the literary arts, his decades in Chicago’s spoken word community, and his continued commitment to uplifting voices through poetry; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that all residents are encouraged to participate in National Poetry Month by engaging with poetry, supporting local poets and literary organizations, and recognizing the vital role poetry plays in education, cultural expression, and civic life; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Gregorio Gómez Aguayo as an honorable expression of sincere gratitude and admiration for his literary service and cultural impact.
end