PA Kindness Poem Project encouraged Pennsylvanians to share kindness-themed messages for original poem by Philadelphia poet laureate
Notable Pennsylvanians release poem in campaign video to spread kindness statewide
PHILADELPHIA – PA Humanities, a nonprofit dedicated to championing the humanities to spark community transformation, today released an original, citizen-inspired poem by Philadelphia poet laureate Trapeta B. Mayson in celebration of World Kindness Day on November 13, 2021. The poem is inspired by crowd-sourced messages from the PA Kindness Poem Project, a year-long initiative inviting Pennsylvanians from across the state to share messages of generosity, unity, healing, reconciliation and peace on social media.
“Our mission at PA Humanities is guided by the principle that communities are stronger when they have space to share their stories and celebrate their differences,” said Laurie Zierer, Executive Director of PA Humanities. “The past year was tumultuous, challenging and heartbreaking for many, but our shared narrative doesn’t need to be one of divisiveness. The PA Kindness Poem Project was created to show that the power of kindness and generosity of spirit must be the keystone of our shared experience during these times.”
Throughout 2021, residents statewide submitted kindness-themed messages, songs, poems, videos and quotes on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram using #PAKindnessPoem. Mayson’s original work was read aloud by famous Pennsylvanians in a moving campaign video to spread kindness, including:
- Mario Andretti, Racing Legend
- Conrad Benner, Founder of @StreetsDept and Nationally-Recognized Photographer
- Tracy Davidson, NBC10 Anchor
- Alejandro Diaz, Principal Dancer at Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre
- Beck Dorey-Stein, New York Times Bestselling Author of From the Corner of the Oval
- Gisele Barreto Fetterman, Second Lady of Pennsylvania
- Gritty, Famed Philadelphia Flyers Mascot
- Nydia Han, 6abc Anchor
- Trapeta B. Mayson, Philadelphia 2020-2021 Poet Laureate
- Jason Schupbach, Dean of the Westphal College of Media Arts and Design at Drexel University
- Ukee Washington, CBS 3 Anchor
- Frances Wolf, First Lady of Pennsylvania
- Laurie Zierer, Executive Director of PA Humanities
“This project was deeply personal because it allowed me to tap into and connect with the thoughts, feelings, and stories of many people across Pennsylvania,” added Mayson. “I felt like I was writing the kindness poem along with an entire community cheering me on and was inspired by how open and enthusiastic people were about their experiences. The poem came to me because the people made it possible.”
PA Humanities also announced the launch of their new brand coinciding with the PA Kindness Poem Project release. The organization was officially renamed from “Pennsylvania Humanities Council” to “PA Humanities,” and unveiled a new logo and website. The new brand reflects PA Humanities’ commitment to making a positive impact in communities across the state through transformative, progressive, on-the-ground work. Through programs like Chester Made and Pennsylvania Heart & Soul, PA Humanities supports community revitalization through a humanities-centered process that gives a voice to those who are often unheard.
The new brand and website can be viewed at https://pahumanities.org.
“PA Humanities’ new brand signifies a milestone of growth and is a reflection of their best-in-class community-based, creative work,” said Susan Banks, Acting Deputy Secretary, Commissioner of Libraries and State Librarian with the Office of Commonwealth Libraries, PA Department of Education. “By keeping their focus on building strength at the community level, the organization ensures that their initiatives are at the center of work happening locally, which helps to build stronger, more resilient communities.”
The contributed messages of kindness on social media can be viewed by searching #PAKindnessPoem. For more information on the PA Kindness Poem Project and to view the full poem video, please visit https://pahumanities.org.
About the PA Humanities
PA Humanities’ mission is to champion the humanities as a means to spark civic engagement, build community, educate, inspire, and make change that lasts. We believe the humanities are accessible and useful to everyone. We put people first, ensuring the stories, values, assets, and perspectives of each community we serve impact the outcomes of our programs. We create and encourage spaces where everybody belongs and can find common ground, speak their truth, and work together for collective action. Our focus is on continually innovating and growing — always looking for new and better ways to serve the people of Pennsylvania. Our work centers on sharing tools and building networks, working towards a future without barriers, where people take the lead in making meaningful change in their own communities.
Website: https://www.PAHumanities.org
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