Amanda Gorman Inspires America

SOURCE: CNN

Black History Month is a time to recognize the influence of the African American community on American history. However, it is also a time to celebrate contemporary figures and the inspiration they bring to us today. Amanda Gorman is one such figure. 

Gorman touched the hearts of millions on Inauguration Day on January 20th, when she presented her poem, “The Hill We Climb.” Her words portrayed a message of hope, unity, and equality, and her presence exuded strength, poise and grace which captivated the audience. Civilians and celebrities alike shined praise on her in the days that followed, including Michelle Obama. In a recent Instagram post, Obama said, “The power of her words blew me away—but it was more than that. It was her presence on stage, the confidence she exuded as a young Black woman helping to turn the page to a more hopeful chapter in American leadership…I could not be prouder of the young woman she has become.”

Born in Los Angeles in 1998 to a single mother, Gorman fell in love with poetry at a young age. At just 22 years old,  she has become the first-ever National Youth Poet Laureate in 2017, graduated cum laude from Harvard University, and become the youngest inaugural poet in American history. She is also the founder and director of One Pen One Page, an organization that provides free creative writing programs to underserved youth. Most recently, she performed at the Super Bowl with an original poem, “Chorus of the Captains,” which celebrated the three honorary captains -- James Martin, Trimaine Davis, and Suzie Dorner -- specially invited to the game. 

In her inaugural poem, Gorman acknowledges the path of her ancestors throughout American history, stating, “being American is more than a pride we inherit, / it's the past we step into, / and how we repair it.” Gorman’s work is a testament to the power poetry and words have: they can bring us together, offer hope, and inspire future actions. In these last few weeks of Black History Month, I hope American continue to find inspiration in Gorman’s words. Beyond hope, may her words prophesy us climbing the hill she envisions for us to a brighter, more just future.