On January 20, 2021, Amanda Gorman became the sixth and youngest poet, at age twenty-two, to deliver a poetry reading at a presidential inauguration. When she recited her poem “The Hill We Climb,” she captured and moved all Americans with the power of her words. Indeed Gorman’s words have impacted millions, and it is exactly what America needs right now. Definitely she stole the show. In front of the Capitol in the bright sunlight, her voice animated and full of emotion, Gorman described her background as a “skinny Black girl, descended from slaves and raised by a single mother,” who can dream of being president one day, “only to find herself reciting for one.” She spoke about the weight of loss that the country has endured, in verses that reflected the fragile state of the country. Her grace and words struck listeners as hopeful at a time when the country faced multiple crises. A star in the making was born. We can envision her future that will be as bright as talented Maya Angelou who might be very proud. This young black woman is inspiring with her words while breaking down barriers & rising to heights. She gives us hope for the future. Former President Obama said Gorman’s poem “more than met the moment” in a message lauding her work on Twitter after the ceremony.
“Young people like her are proof that ‘there is always light, if only we’re brave enough to see it; if only we’re brave enough to be it,’” he wrote.
Since this historical event, her star has continued to rise. From now on she appears to be the latest inspiring young artist of the renaissance She has several books on the works. IMG Models announced on that it would represent Ms. Gorman, for fashion and beauty endorsements. The agency represents supermodels including Alek Wek, Paloma Elsesser and Joan Smalls, as well as talents like the playwright Jeremy O. Harris and the tennis star Naomi Osaka. And, on Januray 27th Wednesday morning, “Good Morning America” broke the news that Ms. Gorman would be performing at the Super Bowl LV preshow in February. Needless to say that Ms Gorman is unstoppable. She is doing extremely well and it is just the beginning.
And on the top This week, the 22-year-old Harvard graduate is on the cover of TIME’s special Black Renaissance issue. TIME Magazine dropped the Black Renaissance special edition issue on Friday, February 5th. The magazine highlights Black culture and the arts. The impact of this moment is magnified even more through a special interview with former first lady Michelle Obama.
These two history-makers get real about activism, being a Black woman, and the power of poetry. (read their discussion at the link below). time.com/gorman
“What’s been exciting for me is I get to absorb and to live in that creation I see from other African-American artists that I look up to,” said Gorman during her interview. “In all the forms of expression of human life, we’re seeing that artistry be informed by the Black experience. I can’t imagine anything more exciting than that.”
The national youth poet laureate was photographed by Awol Erizku and interviewed remotely by Michelle Obama for the TIME magazine feature. She is wearing a yellow dress designed by Greta Constantine. During her TIME magazine interview, she shared many words of wisdom that can help anyone take bold, inspired action.
“You really have to crown yourself with the belief that what I’m about and what I’m here for is way beyond this moment,” Gorman shared. “I’m learning that I am not lightning that strikes once. I am the hurricane that comes every single year, and you can expect to see me again soon.”
Mrs Gorman hasn’t finished to amaze and inspire the world. From now the rising star poet has become a symbol of hope . Her journey has just started but the best is yet to come.
By Alizé Utteryn 02/05/2021
