Amanda Gorman

“There is always light, if only we’re brave enough to see it; if only we’re brave enough to be it.”

  • Name: Amanda Gorman
  • Born: March 7th, 1998
  • From: Los Angeles, California
  • Occupation: Writer
  • Works: The Hill We Climb And Other Poems, Amanda Gorman, Inaugural Poem Video
  • Awards: Chosen as youth poet laureate of Los Angeles (2014), Chosen as National Youth Poet Laureate (2017), Named on The Root’s “Young Futurists” list (2019), Selected to read at the inauguration of Joe Biden (2021)
  • Fun Fact: At 22 years old, Gorman became the youngest poet ever to read at a US presidential inauguration.

Amanda Gorman is an American writer, poet, and activist. Her work focuses on issues of oppression, feminism, race, and marginalization, as well as the African diaspora. Despite having a speech impediment at a young age, Gorman still finds strength in reciting her poems and speaking. She delivered her poem “The Hill We Climb” at the inauguration of U.S. President Joe Biden.

Handout

To download the Handout:

  1. Click on the image
  2. Right-click and select Save Image As…
  3. Print
  4. Write a description on the line and decorate.
  5. Cut out and use for a selfie to share on our social media page.
  6. Download a card and envelope template and write about an idea this leader inspires.
  7. Check out more resources and ways to celebrate MLK can be found on these links as well as our official  Day of Service opportunity to volunteer.

This ASI Special event is an ongoing volunteer-led project made by people like you, using multiple educational sources regularly being revised and updated. We would love your assistance if you or your group would like to get involved, learn more here.