Celebrating Resilience and Renewal on Passover and Easter

WFMT honors poet Maya Angelou and the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on 30th annual National Poetry Month.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 2:00am

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For the 30th annual National Poetry Month, WFMT radio is honoring the late poet and activist Maya Angelou, who was born on this day in 1928. The station is also marking the anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s 1968 assassination, even as it celebrates resilience and renewal on the occasions of Passover and Easter.

Why it matters

Angelou and King were two of the most influential African American voices of the 20th century, using their platforms as poets, authors, and civil rights leaders to inspire generations. By commemorating their legacies alongside religious holidays focused on themes of hope and new beginnings, WFMT is highlighting the enduring power of the human spirit to overcome adversity.

The details

WFMT's programming for National Poetry Month will feature readings and tributes to Angelou, whose acclaimed works include "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" and "Phenomenal Woman." The station will also air special segments reflecting on King's life and work, including his iconic "I Have a Dream" speech, as it marks the anniversary of his assassination in Memphis.

  • National Poetry Month is celebrated each April.
  • Maya Angelou was born on April 4, 1928.
  • Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated on April 4, 1968.
  • Passover begins on the evening of April 5, 2026.
  • Easter Sunday falls on April 6, 2026.

The players

Maya Angelou

A renowned poet, author, and civil rights activist who was a leading voice for African Americans in the 20th century.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

A prominent leader in the African-American civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s, known for his advocacy of nonviolent civil disobedience.

WFMT

A classical and folk music radio station based in Chicago, Illinois that is commemorating the legacies of Angelou and King during National Poetry Month.

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What they’re saying

“We must continue to draw inspiration from the words and deeds of those who fought for justice and equality, even in the face of adversity.”

— Marilyn Rea Beyer, Host, The Midnight Special and Folkstage on WFMT

The takeaway

By honoring the legacies of Angelou and King alongside the observance of Passover and Easter, WFMT is reminding listeners of the enduring power of resilience, renewal, and the human spirit to overcome even the darkest of times.