Amanda Gorman
b. 1998
Born in Los Angeles, California, USA
Amanda Gorman is an American poet and activist. Her work focuses on issues of oppression, feminism, race, and marginalization, as well as the African diaspora. Gorman was the first person to be named National Youth Poet Laureate. She published the poetry book "The One for Whom Food Is Not Enough" in 2015. She rose to international prominence when she read her poem "The Hill We Climb" at the inauguration of U.S. President Joe Biden in 2021. Gorman's poetry has been published in The New York Times, The New Yorker, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, Vogue, and Elle. She has performed at the Library of Congress, Lincoln Center, and the United Nations. Gorman has received numerous honors and awards, including being named one of Glamour magazine's College Women of the Year and being featured in Forbes' 30 Under 30 list.
“For there is always light, if only we're brave enough to see it. If only we're brave enough to be it.”
Notable Works
Timeline
Born in Los Angeles, California
Named Youth Poet Laureate of Los Angeles
Published first poetry collection "The One for Whom Food Is Not Enough"
Named first National Youth Poet Laureate
Graduated from Harvard University with a degree in Sociology
Read "The Hill We Climb" at President Biden's inauguration
Published children's book "Change Sings: A Children's Anthem"
Published poetry collection "Call Us What We Carry"
Works
Notable Quote
For there is always light, if only we're brave enough to see it. If only we're brave enough to be it.
Amanda Gorman
Influences
- Maya Angelou
- Langston Hughes
- Civil rights movement
- Contemporary social justice movements
- Spoken word poetry
Achievements
- First National Youth Poet Laureate
- Youngest inaugural poet in U.S. history
- Forbes 30 Under 30 (2021)
- Glamour College Women of the Year
- Featured in major publications including The New York Times and Vogue