Son honours Father with "Read, Write, Recite" poetry month

Poet, playwright, author Amiri Baraka during a panel discussion 'The Beats, Be-Bop, and All That Jazz'

NEWARK — Newark mayor Ras Baraka is launching a city poetry month today, on what would have been his father, Amiri Baraka's, 80th birthday.

The mayor has declared the theme of Newark Poetry Month “Read, Write, Recite." The city and other organizations will offer several events, including poetry readings, at venues across the city during October, the city said in statement.

A ceremony kicking off the month will start at 5 p.m. in City Hall. In addition to the older Baraka, 95-year-old Newark poet Eddie Mae Livingston will also be recognized at the ceremony.

The elder Baraka, a longtime activist and fixture on the national poetry scene,died in January at the age of 79. Today would have been his 80th birthday, according to the city.