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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
ESTABLISHING SEPTEMBER AS SPOKEN WORD MONTH AND HONORING THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF BLAQ ICE
WHEREAS, Chicago's own Blaq Ice, born De'Andre Hawthorne, is an international, award-winning spoken word poet, cultural icon, and trailblazer whose illustrious career spans more than three decades, during which he has redefined the spoken word genre by fusing poetic expression with neo-soul, jazz, hip-hop, and rhythm and blues; and
WHEREAS, Blaq Ice's visionary artistry and dedication to elevating spoken word poetry have captivated audiences across the globe, and in 2025, he achieved an unprecedented milestone by becoming the first poet in history to win both the Chicago Music Awards and the 312 Music Awards in the same year, cementing his legacy as a transformative force in the arts; and
WHEREAS, Blaq Ice is the founder of the Chicago Poet Laureate initiative and the CEO and Founder of the National Spoken Word Awards and Festival, held annually in Chicago during the Labor Day weekend, which draws artists and audiences from across the nation and affirms Cook County as a national hub for spoken word excellence; and
WHEREAS, since 2015, Blaq Ice has been a tireless advocate for the national recognition of spoken word as a distinct and vital art form, championing the establishment of Spoken Word Month every September, and is widely regarded as the Father of Spoken Word Month in America; and
WHEREAS, through his work with People of Extraordinary Talent (P.O.E.T.), Blaq Ice has made significant contributions to community empowerment by mentoring youth in public schools, establishing transformative spoken word programs in correctional facilities, feeding the hungry, and coordinating clothing drives for individuals experiencing homelessness-demonstrating his steadfast commitment to social justice, youth empowerment, and artistic excellence; and
WHEREAS, Blaq Ice has emphasized that while April is recognized nationally as Poetry Month, it predominantly ce...
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