This article appeared in Mississippi's Newspaper THE CLARION LEDGER on Saturday, May 11, 2002 in the editorial section.
I am proud of this because it is my THIRD to be used by this newspaper.

Hope you enjoy!

Poetry deserves more recognition


As a visual artist and author, I was a bit disappointed as to the state's apathy toward April being recognized as National Poetry Month ("National Poetry Month: Read a poem," April 14).

Others, like myself, have tried to help incorporate the arts into as many public events as possible since the ability to explore the arts has been taken from many elementary and junior high students.

We have not received the support you would expect.

With everything that is going on in the state as well as in the world, I would suspect we would embrace positive outlets of expression for our youth — not ignore their importance.

This was my second year being able to celebrate National Poetry Month with the public schools in Hinds and Rankin counties.

Both the students and teachers involved seemed to appreciate the added community involvement.

To me, this says that we need more support for these and other events, not less.

Both the media and the community have a responsibility to those molding our future.

Let's not forget that.

C.A. Webb
Jackson