SPARKS IGNITE FOR POETRY, JAZZ, THE EARTH AND MORE IN APRIL

April sparks spotlight poetry, jazz, alcoholism, autism and many more social justice, health and arts awareness initiatives. Sparks also electrify awareness for the environment, sexual assault, child abuse and distracted driving. Designated days include Earth Day, World Health Day and Walking Day, to name just a few. Here’s a topline of April’s finest.

NATIONAL POETRY MONTH – celebrates poetry’s vital place in our culture. The annual awareness initiative has taken on new meaning and importance these last few years as it celebrates its 28th Anniversary. More people are turning to poetry because poetry and inspiring language can help bring solace and needed strength.

Born out of inspiration by the successful celebrations of Black History Month (February) and Women’s History Month (March), the Academy of American Poets founded National Poetry Month in 1996. It has become the largest literary celebration in the world with tens of millions of readers, schools, publishers, libraries, booksellers, bloggers and poets celebrating the designated month. To join the celebration and for inspiration, visit the National Poetry Month’s ’30 Ways to Celebrate’ page, click here.

NATIONAL ALCOHOLISM MONTH – Established in 1987 by The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCAAD) to help reduce the stigma often associated with alcoholism. The objective is to encourage communities to reach out to the public each April with information about alcohol, alcoholism and recovery. Alcoholism is a chronic, progressive disease, genetically predisposed and fatal if untreated. However, people can and do recover. It is estimated that as many as 20 million individuals and family members are living lives in recovery!

April will be filled with local, state, and national events aimed at educating people about the treatment and prevention of alcoholism — particularly among our youth — and the important role that parents can play in giving kids a better understanding of the impact that alcohol can have on their lives.

AUTISM ACCEPTANCE MONTH – This nationwide effort to promote autism awareness, inclusion and self-determination is by Autism Society. The nation’s grassroots organization raises awareness and advocates for persons with ASD so that they, too, have the opportunity to achieve the highest possible quality of life. Each year, tens of thousands face an autism diagnosis.

The focus is to go beyond simply promoting autism awareness to encouraging friends and collaborators to become partners in movement toward acceptance and appreciation — inclusion in schools and communities that results in true appreciation of the unique aspects of all people. One step closer to a society where those with ASDs are truly valued for their unique talents and gifts.

April 2nd is World Autism Day. This is the signature campaign of Autism Speaks. They are joined every year by the international autism community and recognize the UN-sanctioned day and World Autism Month by encouraging everyone and every entity to ‘light blue’ in support of people living with autism. Thousands of iconic landmarks and buildings join hundreds of thousands of homes and communities around the world to “light blue”.

SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS MONTH (SAAM) – celebrating its 23rd year, this initiative raises public awareness about sexual violence and educates communities on how to prevent it.  This year’s theme is “Building Connected Communities to Prevent Sexual Assault.” The campaign uplifts the role of inclusive, equitable, and connected communities in reducing sexual abuse, assault, and harassment. Community is an integral part of all our lives, and the health and well-being of our communities shape our lives.

On April 2nd, The National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) encourages individuals and communities to show their support for survivors of sexual harassment and abuse by wearing teal — the color of sexual violence prevention — and posting on social media using #SAAM2024. By wearing teal, one can signal that they support survivors and are a safe person to reach out to.

JAZZ APPRECIATION MONTH (“JAM”) – Celebrate Jazz Appreciation Month 2024 all month long in April: Duke Ellington. April marks the 125th birthday of one of the twentieth century’s greatest artists, Edward Kennedy “Duke” Ellington. Born on April 29, 1899, in Washington, D.C.

Duke Ellington composed dynamic music throughout his lifetime that inspired vivid visual imagery and emotion. Combining his unconventional orchestration technique with the unique talent of his individual orchestra members, Ellington was able to transpose everyday life into musical works of art.

To mark what would have been his 125th year, the museum will be featuring Duke Ellington on this year’s Jazz Appreciation Month poster through the evocative and colorful painting from LeRoy Neiman.

Jazz Appreciation Month was created at the National Museum of American History in 2001 to recognize and celebrate the extraordinary heritage and history of jazz for the entire month of April. JAM is intended to stimulate and encourage people of all ages to participate in jazz – to study the music, attend concerts, listen to jazz on radio and recordings, read books about jazz, and more.

April’s showers have always Socially Sparked® our lives. Whether you fancy the arts, health or social issues, April 2024 sparks spotlight a plethora of wonderful causes. — We are Forever #SociallySparked  Tweet us @sosparkednews.