Inauguration Day was filled with trailblazing changemakers. Kamala Harris made history as the first woman to be sworn in as Vice President of the United States. Hours later, Raphael Warnock was sworn in as the first Black Senator from the state of Georgia. In the midst of all that happened, one Harvard graduate stole the show.
Amanda Gorman has made history as the nation’s youngest inaugural poet in American history. During the inauguration ceremony, Gorman performed a poem titled, “The Hill We Climb.”
“How could catastrophe possibly prevail over us?/We will not march back to what was/But move to what shall be/A country that is bruised but whole/Benevolent but bold/Fierce and free,” she stated.
Thank you! I would be nowhere without the women whose footsteps I dance in. While reciting my poem, I wore a ring with a caged bird—a gift from @Oprah for the occasion , to symbolize Maya Angelou, a previous inaugural poet. Here’s to the women who have climbed my hills before. https://t.co/5Tegd20sko
— Amanda Gorman (@TheAmandaGorman) January 20, 2021
“The new dawn blooms as we free it/For there is always light/If only we’re brave enough to see it/If only we’re brave enough to be it.”
The 22-year-old who stole the show is not new to the big stage. She’s performed everywhere from the Library of Congress to MTV. This time around, she garnered praise from Oprah Winfrey and Lin-Manuel Miranda.
“I have never been prouder to see another young woman rise! Brava Brava,” Winfrey tweeted.
“Maya Angelou is cheering — and so am I.”
