"The Hill We Climb" overview

By M. Van Der Graff

In January 2021 at Biden’s inauguration, poet and activist, Amanda Gorman, read an inspirational poem called "The Hill We Climb". As the youngest ever inaugural poet, Gorman continues to focus on matters such as race, feminism, climate change, oppression, and marginalization. The themes of healing, resilience, unity, and hope were continuously referenced throughout the poem.
The poem's title illustrates the "Hill" that the United States was currently climbing (politically and socially) and the journey it will take to reach the top. The piece also mentions the real struggles that the United States is facing, and she set a faithful tone for the new presidency.
Through the poem, Gorman juxtaposes contrasting images of fear and hope, darkness, and light, to present the two opposing sides of America. She clarifies that it is not an easy path; however, if one helps permit the country's beauty to come through, the future will be greater than it could have been.
Gorman made a significant impact in the world with the piece “The Hill We Climb.” It exhibited unity between the American people, motivates people to continue fighting, and symbolize the chance that the future holds.