Amanda Gorman
Amanda Gorman (born March 7, 1998) is an American poet, activist, and cultural icon. This article traces her rising journey from Los Angeles to the global stage, highlights her achievements, shares her powerful quotes, and explores her ongoing influence.
Introduction
Amanda S. C. Gorman has become one of the most resonant voices of her generation. With her eloquent poetry, commitment to social justice, and magnetic public presence, she has transcended the label of “young poet” to become a leading figure in literature and activism. She first achieved international recognition when she recited “The Hill We Climb” at the 2021 U.S. presidential inauguration—becoming the youngest poet ever to be invited for that honor.
Her work engages with issues of race, identity, feminism, climate, and healing, and she continues to publish, speak, and inspire across multiple platforms.
Early Life and Family
Amanda Gorman was born on March 7, 1998 in Los Angeles, California. Joan Wicks, worked as a middle school English teacher. Gabrielle, who is active in film and advocacy.
During her childhood, Amanda faced challenges with a speech impediment and an auditory processing disorder, which made listening and speaking difficult.
Youth, Education, and Early Literary Development
From a young age, Amanda gravitated toward writing and public speaking. In high school, she began to more fully identify as a poet. New Roads School in Santa Monica for her K–12 education, where she further cultivated her voice.
In 2014, she became the first Youth Poet Laureate of Los Angeles, signaling her early promise. The One for Whom Food Is Not Enough.
She went on to attend Harvard University, majoring in sociology. She graduated cum laude in 2020 and became a member of Phi Beta Kappa.
Career and Achievements
National Youth Poet Laureate & Early Recognition
In April 2017, Amanda Gorman became the first National Youth Poet Laureate of the United States. One Pen One Page, a nonprofit to support youth writing and leadership. “In This Place (An American Lyric)” at the Library of Congress.
“The Hill We Climb” & Inauguration Fame
On January 20, 2021, Gorman delivered her poem “The Hill We Climb” at President Joe Biden’s inauguration, earning international acclaim and securing her place in history as the youngest inaugural poet.
That poem—and the performance—became emblematic of hope, unity, and resilience during a time of national division.
She was also selected to recite a poem, “Chorus of the Captains”, during the Super Bowl LV pregame ceremonies in 2021, making her the first poet to perform at the Super Bowl.
Publications & Ongoing Work
Some of her notable published works include:
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The Hill We Climb: An Inaugural Poem for the Country
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The Hill We Climb (collection)
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Call Us What We Carry (2021)
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She later announced a children’s book, Something, Someday, set for release with illustrator Christian Robinson, aiming to spread hope and community care.
In the realm of fashion and public life, she signed representation deals (e.g. IMG) and made magazine covers (e.g. Vogue), becoming a visible cultural figure beyond just poetry.
Amanda also declined endorsement offers amounting to large sums when they conflicted with her values.
Historical Milestones & Context
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Gorman’s inauguration performance came in the wake of the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, giving additional weight to her themes of unity, healing, and vigilance.
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Her public rise coincides with renewed interest globally in voices from underrepresented and marginalized communities—particularly Black women’s voices.
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She has become an example of how poetry can intersect with politics, activism, and mass popular culture.
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Her presence at high-profile events (e.g. inauguration, Super Bowl, magazine covers) signals that poetry and poetic voices can still have wide cultural reach.
Legacy and Influence
Though still young, Amanda Gorman’s legacy is already forming. She has inspired many people—especially young writers, women, and people of color—to see poetry as a medium of protest, hope, and transformation. She embodies a model of using art with purpose.
Her literary presence has encouraged educational institutions and civic organizations to integrate spoken-word and socially-conscious poetry more deeply. Her nonprofit work, public speaking, and visibility help shift the perception of poetry from a niche to a living, relevant force in public discourse.
She continues to push boundaries in how poets engage with society—bridging artistry and activism.
Personality, Strengths & Challenges
Gorman is known for her poise, intelligence, empathy, and moral commitment. She often talks about the responsibility of writers to address justice, equality, and healing.
Her early challenges—speech impediment, auditory processing disorder—shaped her resilience and sensitivity.
She balances her public persona with a strong sense of integrity, often turning down projects that don’t align with her ideals.
Ambitious and visionary, she has publicly spoken of her intention to run for President in 2036.
Famous Quotes of Amanda Gorman
Here are several inspiring quotes that reflect Amanda Gorman’s outlook, artistry, and values:
“There is always light. If only we’re brave enough to see it. If only we’re brave enough to be it.”
“The new dawn blooms as we free it, / For there is always light, / If only we’re brave enough to see it, / If only we’re brave enough to be it.”
“Loss is the cost of loving.”
“Words matter, for language is an ark.”
“And yes we are far from polished, far from pristine, but that doesn’t mean we are striving to form a union that is perfect. We are striving to forge a union with purpose.”
“Only when we're drowning do we understand how fierce our feet can kick.”
“The only approval you need is your own.”
“Poetry is the lens we use to interrogate the history we stand on and the future we stand for.”
These quotes encapsulate her themes of hope, resilience, justice, self-trust, and the power of language.
Lessons from Amanda Gorman
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Use voice when silence seems easier. Gorman transformed her struggle with speaking into a tool for expression and change.
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Art + activism can coexist. Her career shows that poetry can be a vehicle for social consciousness, not just aesthetic.
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Integrity matters. Staying true to values—even at cost—can define one’s lasting influence.
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Light and hope are acts of bravery. She suggests that seeing and being light in dark times is itself courageous.
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Youth is not a limit. She demonstrates that even young voices can carry weight, challenge norms, and shift culture.
Conclusion
Amanda Gorman is more than a poet of our moment—she is crafting a path that bridges artistry, justice, and collective hope. From challenges in childhood to global recognition, her trajectory is a testament to the power of words, purpose, and persistence.
Her example encourages us all to consider: What is the poem we — as individuals and as communities — are called to live?