At President Joe Biden’s Inauguration on January 20, we watched Amanda Gorman, the country’s youngest inaugural poet, recite her poem “The Hill We Climb.”  Following the horrifying events that took place at the Capitol just a few weeks before, “The Hill We Climb” is a poem of raw emotion and hope for the future. Gorman’s poem inspires the belief that one day, the United States will be seen as a unified nation of diverse people and cultures, rather than a politically and socially divided nation of hatred and ignorance. 

Gorman is one of six inaugural poets in history, including universally known writers such as Maya Angelou and Robert Frost. While being the youngest inaugural poet in our country’s history is an enormous feat in itself, Gorman’s identity as a Black woman is also representative of the increasing diversity we’re beginning to see in President Biden’s cabinet. It is so incredibly inspiring to see such a successful young woman courageously share her words with the nation on such a momentous day. 

Gorman’s poem spoke to the nation in a unique way unlike what we’ve seen before. Her identity as a Black woman, a poet, and an activist contributed to Gorman being the perfect candidate for the occasion. In an interview for Time Magazine, Gorman spoke with former First Lady Michelle Obama about how she reached her current level of success, and how her upbringing has impacted her poetry. In the interview, Gorman says, “In everything you write, write something that is brave enough to be hopeful. In everything that you write, write something that is larger than yourself. I don’t think I would have been able to write that Inauguration poem if I hadn’t lived every day of my life as if that was the place I was going to get.” Her strength and determination to reach this point are an inspiration not only to young writers and Black girls, but to all who listen to her words. 

Gorman graduated from Harvard University and has written for the New York Times. She also has several upcoming book releases, including a children’s book and two poetry books. Since reciting her poem at President Biden’s Inauguration, Gorman has quickly gained popularity on social media. Her powerful words spoke to the nation, as well as to younger generations who now have Gorman as an inspiring figure to look up to. 

In her interview with Time Magazine, Gorman describes what it is like to find and hold onto success as a Black woman. She says, “Especially for girls of color, we’re treated as lightning or gold in the pan—we’re not treated as things that are going to last. You really have to crown yourself with the belief that what I’m about and what I’m here for is way beyond this moment.” Since the Inauguration, as Gorman has continued to attract attention to her poetry, it is important to consider her as an example for all young women that anything is possible. 

She continues, “I’m learning that I am not lightning that strikes once. I am the hurricane that comes every single year, and you can expect to see me again soon.” 

At such a jarring and politically charged time in history, while the United States grapples with a deadly pandemic and increasing expressions of outright political violence, Gorman’s words spoke to the country and offered a glimmer of hope that things will change for Americans so long as we keep striving for it. 

To quote Gorman’s touching poem,

“But one thing is certain:

If we merge mercy with might,

and might with right,

then love becomes our legacy

and change our children's birthright

So let us leave behind a country

better than the one we were left with.” 

By Madelyn Fink

Journalism major and avid baker. Lover of yoga and a very dedicated plant mom