An act approved January 23, 1942, provided: “Whereas, the poet would make the whole world a democracy, the essence of poetry being the heart of man and its aim to proclaim the dignity of all mankind, and whereas, the poets of Kentucky have done and still do much to elevate the thought of mankind, and whereas, some of their writings have immortalized Kentucky throughout the civilized world, and whereas, the essential purpose of Kentucky Poetry Day is to honor and give recognition to Kentucky poets, to promote the study and appreciation of poetry, and to encourage creative talent in this field, and whereas, Kentuckians at all times are delighted to honor their men and women who have achieved distinction in any calling or endeavor, now therefore, be it resolved by the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Kentucky: That the Governor of the Commonwealth of Kentucky is hereby authorized to designate the seventh day of April . . . Kentucky Poetry Day.”
![“February,” by Effie Waller [Smith], 1904. KNII students, ca. 1917.](28_poetry.jpg)
"February," by Effie Waller [Smith], originally published in Songs of the Months, 1904. Her collected works were reprinted in 1991 as part of the Schomburg Library of Nineteenth-Century Black Women Writers. A native of Chloe Creek in Pike County, Effie Waller attended Kentucky Normal and Industrial Institute (KNII) [later Kentucky State University] in 1900-1901. Photographer Harry Gretter captured this shot of KNII students in the snow, ca. 1917. KHS Collections.
