Martha Marx

SENATOR MARX VOTES WITH SENATE TO CREATE ANNE PETRY DAY, HONORING OLD SAYBROOK HISTORICAL LEGEND

Today, State Senator Martha Marx (D-New London) joined the Senate’s passage of legislation designating May 10 of each year to be recognized as Ann Petry Day, part of legislation approving new honorary days, weeks and months in the state. Petry, who hailed from Old Saybrook, was the first African-American female author to sell more than a million copies of a written novel.

“Ann Petry’s significance to the history of Old Saybrook and Connecticut cannot be overstated,” said Sen. Marx. “The historical importance of ‘The Street,’ as well as her incredible and extended history of written works, helped change minds and ideals nationwide. I am proud to help ensure her legacy will continue to be celebrated for years to come.”

Ann Petry, born in Old Saybrook in 1908, is most well-known for her debut novel, “The Street,” which centered around the injustices faced by a single Black mother in Harlem during the 1940s. “The Street” sold more than one million copies. Petry’s literature was published around the world, with many of her works drawing on her experiences living in Old Saybrook.

Senate Bill 1158, “An Act Designating Various Days, Weeks and Months,” designates 12 additional commemorative days, weeks and months in Connecticut including Ann Petry Day. It now moves to the House.