Amanda Gorman

Amanda Gorman is an American poet, activist, and cultural icon who made history as the youngest inaugural poet in United States history. At just 22 years old, she delivered her original poem 'The Hill We Climb' at President Joe Biden's presidential inauguration on January 20, 2021, reaching an estimated 33 million television viewers. The powerful poem, addressing themes of resilience, unity, and hope in the aftermath of national division and the COVID-19 pandemic, resonated globally and established Gorman as a significant voice in contemporary American poetry. Born in Los Angeles and raised by a single mother who was a teacher, Gorman overcame speech impediments during childhood and has used her platform to advocate for literacy and arts education. Her debut poetry collection 'Call Us What We Carry' was published to critical acclaim. Beyond her literary achievements, Gorman has become a cultural ambassador, appearing on the cover of prestigious publications and speaking at international venues, inspiring millions—particularly young people and people of color—to engage with poetry and activism. Her meteoric rise from relative obscurity to global prominence demonstrates the power of authentic artistic expression and youth activism.