DaimlerChrysler to Award $1,600 to Aspiring Atlanta Area Poets During National Black Arts Festival
13 July 2000
DaimlerChrysler to Award $1,600 to Aspiring Atlanta Area Poets During National Black Arts Festival
AUBURN HILLS, Mich. - DaimlerChrysler Corporation will award $1,600 to
aspiring Atlanta area poets and writers competing in its "Spirit in the Words"
poetry program during the National Black Arts Festival (NBAF) on Wednesday,
August 2, 2000. The festival runs from July 28 - August 6.
An exclusive automotive sponsor of the NBAF, DaimlerChrysler's "Spirit in
the Words" poetry program will be held at the Park Tavern, 500 10th Street NE.
The theme of the 6-10 p.m. event is, "moving people through poetry."
Noted television and film actress, Shari Headley, will emcee the award
winning program that received Poets&Writers Inc's President's Citation in
December 1999.
"We're committed to the support of the arts and share in the hopes and
dreams of many people who enjoy the art of the spoken words," said W. Frank
Fountain, DaimlerChrysler's Senior Vice President Government Affairs. "It's
programs like this that foster a renaissance in written and spoken art."
Atlanta is the fourth stop of a six city tour for 2000 that includes
Detroit, Miami, Houston, Phoenix and New York.
"DaimlerChrysler has created a visionary program, one that resonates
beautifully with Poets&Writers' mission of helping emerging writers reach
their audience," said Elliot Figman, Executive Director, Poets&Writers, Inc.
According to the National Endowment of the Arts, 24 million people in the
U.S. write creatively for their own fulfillment. Of those, 2.3 million
reported having published their work.
Nearly 300 U.S. universities have established graduate poetry programs
since the mid-1970s and the best ones are overflowing, according to the
Seattle Times.
DaimlerChrysler has published and distributed over 30,000 copies of "The
Spirit in the Words" poetry book that include original works of more than 75
aspiring U.S. poets and writers. The company published Volume One in 1997
with "The Spirit in the Words: a collection of African American poems."
The company's poetry program was started in 1994 in Detroit, Mich. during
February Black History Month with 47 journalists-poets and has grown to over
200 participants that include DaimlerChrysler senior management, poets and
City officials.
"DaimlerChrysler made a commitment to not only the arts but also literacy
because the appreciation of art and reading is a part of our daily ritual,"
said Fountain.
In 1998, "Spirit in the Words" poetry events were held in Detroit and
Atlanta, Ga. during the National Black Arts Festival, which brought together
over 400 artists who specialize in theater, dance, music literature and visual
art.
Aspiring Atlanta area poets and writers who would like to submit their
original poetry and be considered as contestants should submit no more than
three original poems and a one-paragraph biography to Alan Miller via email at
amillergroup@aol.com or fax, 810-795-2372. Entry deadline is Friday, July 28.
Judges will select first, second and third place winners during the
program. First place prize is $1,000. Second prize is $500. Third prize is
$100. Each winner will have their poetry published in Volume Five of "The
Spirit in the Words" poetry book.
