(Photo By Sthanlee B. Mirador/Sipa USA)(Sipa via AP Images)
On Wednesday, January 20, President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris were sworn into office. At the inaugural ceremony, Amanda Gorman, 22, recited a poem that she wrote. It is called “The Hill We Climb.” Since then, a video of her powerful performance has gone viral. People all over the world have been talking about her message of unity, hope, and change.
Here are eight things to know about this inspiring young poet.
1. Gorman is the youngest inaugural poet in American history.
Inviting a poet to perform at the inaugural ceremony is a tradition. It began with President John F. Kennedy’s inauguration in 1961. Since then, three other presidents have invited poets to read a poem at their inaugurations. Past inaugural poets include Robert Frost and Maya Angelou.
2. She has a speech impediment.
That means it’s hard for Gorman to say certain letters of the alphabet. The letter r is especially hard for her. As a kid, Gorman began writing poetry to help her find her voice. Then in high school, she began reciting her poetry out loud. This helped her improve her speech. She says singing songs from one of her favorite musicals, Hamilton!, also helped!
(Erin Schaff/The New York Times/Redux)
Amanda Gorman, who at 22 is the youngest inaugural poet in U.S. history, reads her poem during the ceremony at the Capitol in Washington, Jan. 20, 2021. Gorman, who lives in Los Angeles, was brought to the Inaugural Committee's attention by first lady Jill Biden, who saw her recite a poem at the Library of Congress.
3. She did a lot of research before writing “The Hill We Climb.”
Gorman studied speeches by past leaders like Abraham Lincoln and Martin Luther King Jr. In a radio interview, Gorman said these speeches helped her understand how words “can be used for good.”
4. In 2017, she was named the nation’s first ever National Youth Poet Laureate.
A National Youth Poet Laureate is the winner of a national competition that recognizes young poets for their talent and the meaning of their work. As a poet laureate, Gorman has recited her poems at the Library of Congress and at special events. She has also appeared on television programs.
For there is always light, if only we are brave enough to see it—if only we are brave enough to be it. —“The Hill We Climb” by Amanda Gorman
5. She has written two books.
One is a children’s book called Change Sings. The other is a book of her poetry called The Hill We Climb. Both will come out in September 2021.
6. She’s an activist.
Many of Gorman’s poems talk about racism and other important issues. She believes that poetry can be a tool used for change.
(Photo: Alex J. Berliner/ABImages) via AP Images
Amanda Gorman speaks at Porter's Third Annual Incredible Women Gala with Universal Pictures Chairman, Donna Langley in association with Estée Lauder and in honor of Vital Voices on Tuesday October 9, 2018 at the Wilshire Ebell Theater in Los Angeles, CA.
7. She has won several awards from the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards.
These awards were founded in 1923. Their goal is to honor the talent and creativity of teens across the country. In 2015 and 2016, Gorman won several regional awards in the competition. In 2016, she won the national Silver Medal for Novel Writing.
8. She wants to be president one day.
In 2017, Gorman told The New York Times that she wants to run for president in 2036. The idea came from a conversation with a teacher. She included this goal in her inaugural poem. See if you can find it!
Discussion questions:
Introduce the Poet
Watch/Listen/Read
Discuss
Extend
