Amanda Gorman

Amanda Gorman is a trailblazing American poet, activist, and author, celebrated for her powerful voice and lyrical storytelling rooted in themes of hope, justice, and identity. Born in 1998 in Los Angeles, California, Gorman overcame a childhood speech impediment and rose to national fame when she became the youngest inaugural poet in U.S. history, delivering The Hill We Climb at President Joe Biden’s inauguration in 2021. A graduate of Harvard University, she is also a former National Youth Poet Laureate, known for inspiring a new generation of artists and change-makers.

As an author, Amanda Gorman has published several acclaimed works, including The Hill We Climb: An Inaugural Poem for the Country, Call Us What We Carry, and the children’s book Change Sings. Her writing blends poetry with activism, addressing complex issues such as racial inequality, climate change, and social resilience, while emphasizing the power of words to unite and heal. Her voice is not only poetic but profoundly timely, often inviting reflection and action in equal measure.

Among Gorman’s most quoted lines is: “For there is always light, if only we're brave enough to see it. If only we're brave enough to be it.” This iconic statement from her inaugural poem embodies her message of courage and optimism. Another memorable quote is: “Poetry is the lens we use to interrogate the history we stand on and the future we stand for.” Through her spoken word and written works, Amanda Gorman continues to shape the cultural and literary landscape with eloquence, vision, and unwavering hope.