By Mike Goodman

In celebration of April as National Poetry Month, the Ward 6 Democrats are sponsoring Words Matter, a poetry contest open to all residents of Ward 6.
To enter, respond to the following question in the form of a poem: “What does DC statehood mean to you?”
Entrants are encouraged to use the following guidelines when submitting:
- Times New Roman font, size 14
- Entrants must reside in Ward 6 to be considered
- The contest is open to neighbors ages 6 to 96
Entries can be submitted as an attachment via email to ward6dems@gmail.com, and will be accepted through Monday, April 19, 2021.
There are six judges for the contest, including Katie Irish, Regine Charles Bowser and Joel Sarfati, all volunteers from the Ward 6 Democrats; Laurie Gillman, Owner of East City Books; Gwen Hunter, Events Coordinator from Solid States Books; and Matt Koehler, Copy Editor of The Southwester.
The winning poem will be announced Monday, April 26, 2021 and will be published in local media and on the Ward 6 Democrats’ website, and will be promoted on all Ward 6 Democrats’ social media accounts (Facebook, Instagram and Twitter).
More information can be found at: https://www.ward6dems.org/inaugural_ward_6_democrats_words_matter_poetry_contest