Who Is Amanda Gorman?

By: C. Paixão

https://www.theguardian.com/books/2021/dec/08/call-us-what-we-carry-by-amanda-gorman-review-symphony-of-hope-and-solidarity

Amanda Gorman, 24 years old, was born in Los Angeles, United States on March 7th, 1998. She is now an American poet and activist, whose work is mainly focused on issues of oppression, feminism, inequality, race, and poverty, as well as the African diaspora, a widespread group of communities, primarily in the Americas, derived from native Africans. Gorman was the first National Youth Poet Laureate in the United States. In 2015, she released her poetry collection “The One for Whom Food Is Not Enough”. Moreover, she holds a B.A. (Bachelor of Arts) in Sociology from Harvard University.


“The One for Whom Food Is Not Enough”, written in 2015, “The Hill We Climb: An Inaugural Poem for the Country”, written in 2021, and “Call Us What We Carry”, written in 2021, are examples of Gorman’s written work, all included in her collection of poems. “Call Us What We Carry” is a collection of poems that focuses on the experience of living through the Covid-19 pandemic.


Gorman was the first and only poet to write and read during a Presidential inauguration. With "The Hill We Climb", the 22-year-old delighted the Biden inauguration audience, referencing both tragic memories and faith for the future. Gorman was also recognized as an Estée Lauder Global Changemaker and recited a poem during the Super Bowl in 2021. She also co-hosted the Met Gala in 2021. Besides being a poet, Gorman also works as an activist for environmental causes, equality, and education. She has been wanting to run for President since she was 11 years old and intends to do so in 2036, the first election cycle in which she will be eligible.