Title
Proclamation for Youth Poet Laureate of 2017- Zaphra Stupple
Memorandum
PROCLAMATION
Honoring Zaphra Stupple
February 5, 2018
WHEREAS, The City of Ann Arbor and the Mayor’s Office would like to recognize Zaphra Stupple for her appointment as the 2017 Ann Arbor Youth Poet Laureate; and
WHEREAS, The Youth Poet Laureate program recognizes youth writers and leaders who are committed to civic and community engagement, poetry and performance, human relations, diversity, and education; and
WHEREAS, Youth voice and community engagement are vital for empowering young people to effect positive change in their community and beyond; and
WHEREAS, Zaphra Stupple was chosen from a group of outstanding and talented youth poets who participated in a selection process requiring five original poems and and essay focusing on the power of poetry and the spoken word; and
WHEREAS, Zaphra Stupple has been part of the Neutral Zone’s Literary Arts programs which has encouraged and inspired multitudes of young people with her bold and provocative poems; and
WHEREAS, Zaphra Stupple has written with grace, elegance and immeasurable power about difficult topics and often given voice to the politically, economically and socially voiceless; and
WHEREAS, Zaphra Stupple has become immersed in the study of language and literature in order to create beautiful and powerful literary art.
NOW THEREFORE, I, Christopher Taylor, Mayor of Ann Arbor, Michigan would like to honor Zaphra Stupple as Ann Arbor Youth Poet Laureate and for giving voice to the youth of our community.
I hereby set my hand and seal
This 5th day of February, 2018
___________________________
Christopher Taylor
Mayor of the City of Ann Arbor