King of Poetry, Father of Spoken Word Month & The Nation's 1st Spoken Word Laureate
INTERNATIONAL SPOKEN WORD MONTH
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SPOKEN WORD OFFICIALLY HAS A MONTH
The City of Chicago, Cook County, and the State of Illinois officially recognize September as Spoken Word Month, largely due to a 10-year advocacy campaign led by internationally acclaimed Chicago spoken word artist Blaq Ice (De'Andre Hawthorne)
RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY
FATHER OF SPOKEN WORD MONTH
KING OF POETRY BLAQ ICE CUTS THE RIBBON OFFICIALLY KICKING OFF SPOKEN WORD MONTH
September 3, 2025, history was made in American arts as the world witnessed the official ribbon cutting ceremony at Daley Plaza to kick off Spoken Word Month. This unprecedented milestone marks the first time Spoken Word has been formally recognized with its own month of celebration.
Joined by the students of DePaul University’s Spoken Word Club, King of Poetry, Blaq Ice, cut the ribbon, ushering in a new era that will provide a powerful platform for current and future generations of spoken word artists.
This moment signifies not only a triumph for the art form but also a legacy that will echo throughout communities for years to come.
BLAQ ICE RECEIVES RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING SEPTEMBER AS SPOKEN WORD MONTH
On August 31, 2025. Blaq Ice Made History! After a 10-year fight, September is now officially recognized as Spoken Word Month in Illinois and Cook County. To God be the glory. Honored as the Father of Spoken Word Month in America, I accept this victory on behalf of every poet and every voice once overlooked. From mentoring youth through P.O.E.T, to founding the National Spoken Word Awards & Festival, to winning both the Chicago Music Awards and 312 Music Awards, this milestone secures spoken word’s place in history.
SPOKEN WORD OFFICIALLY HAS A MONTH
Blaq Ice receives the resolution establishing September as Spoken Word Month for the County of Cook on September 18, 2025
BLAQ ICE MAKES HISTORY WITH SPOKEN WORD MONTH IN CHICAGO
JULY 15, 2026
The Chicago City Council adopted Resolution R2026-0027172, sponsored by 21st Ward Alderman Ronnie Mosley, recognizing September as Spoken Word Month and honoring international spoken word icon and Chicagoan Blaq Ice (De'Andre Hawthorne) as an honorary cultural ambassador of the city.
Key Aspects of the Resolution
- Designation: Officially declares September as Spoken Word Month in conjunction with regional Cook County and Illinois state legislative efforts.
- Cultural Impact: Acknowledges the deep roots of poetry, hip-hop fusion, and neo-soul storytelling embedded within Chicago's creative community.
HONOREE
International spoken word icon and Chicagoan Blaq Ice (Tyrone De'Andre Hawthorne) was honored during the historic adoption as Chicago's and the nation's first official Spoken Word Laureate and an honorary cultural ambassador
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