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Amanda S. C. Gorman was born on March 7, 1998, in Los Angeles, California, to Joan Wicks, a middle school teacher, and a father whose name she has chosen to keep private. From a young age, Amanda exhibited a profound love for language and storytelling. She was raised alongside her twin sister, Gabrielle, who would later become an activist and filmmaker. The sisters grew up in a household that valued education, creativity, and social justice, which would deeply influence Amanda’s future work.
Amanda’s journey with words began early. As a child, she was diagnosed with an auditory processing disorder and a speech impediment, which made it difficult for her to pronounce certain sounds. Despite these challenges, she found solace in writing and poetry. She once said, “I used writing as a form of self-expression and as a way to speak when I felt like I didn’t have a voice.” Her mother played a pivotal role in nurturing her love for literature, often reading to her and encouraging her to explore her creativity.
By the time she was in middle school, Amanda was already writing her own poems. She was inspired by the works of Maya Angelou, Langston Hughes, and other poets who used their art to address social issues. Amanda’s poems often reflected her observations of the world around her, touching on themes of race, identity, and inequality. Her talent did not go unnoticed, and she began to gain recognition in local poetry competitions.
In 2014, at the age of 16, Amanda was named the Youth Poet Laureate of Los Angeles. This honor marked the beginning of her rise as a prominent voice in the literary world. She continued to hone her craft, studying sociology at Harvard University, where she balanced her academic pursuits with her passion for poetry. During her time at Harvard, she became increasingly involved in activism, using her platform to advocate for marginalized communities and to address systemic injustices.
Amanda’s breakthrough came in 2017 when she was named the first-ever National Youth Poet Laureate. This historic achievement not only solidified her place as a rising star in the literary world but also gave her a national platform to amplify her message. Her poems, which often blend personal experiences with broader social commentary, resonated with audiences across the country. She became known for her ability to weave together themes of hope, resilience, and empowerment, offering a vision of a more just and equitable future.
One of Amanda’s most defining moments came on January 20, 2021, when she was invited to recite her poem “The Hill We Climb” at the inauguration of President Joe Biden. At just 22 years old, she became the youngest poet to perform at a presidential inauguration, joining the ranks of luminaries like Maya Angelou and Robert Frost. Her powerful delivery and poignant words captivated the nation, with lines like “For there is always light, if only we’re brave enough to see it, if only we’re brave enough to be it” becoming a rallying cry for unity and hope in a divided time.
The inauguration performance catapulted Amanda to international fame. Her books, including The Hill We Climb: An Inaugural Poem for the Country and Change Sings: A Children’s Anthem, became bestsellers, and she was hailed as a voice of her generation. Beyond her literary achievements, Amanda also ventured into modeling, signing with IMG Models and using her platform to challenge traditional beauty standards and promote inclusivity in the fashion industry.
Despite her rapid rise to fame, Amanda remained grounded and committed to her values. She continued to use her poetry and public appearances to address pressing issues such as racial injustice, gender inequality, and climate change. She also founded the nonprofit organization One Pen One Page, which provides a platform for young writers to share their stories and advocate for social change.
Amanda’s work has earned her numerous accolades, including being named one of Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in 2021. She has also been recognized for her contributions to the arts and activism, receiving honorary degrees and awards from institutions around the world.
Amanda’s work has earned her numerous accolades, including being named one of Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in 2021. She has also been recognized for her contributions to the arts and activism, receiving honorary degrees and awards from institutions around the world.
As she looks to the future, Amanda remains dedicated to her mission of using poetry as a tool for change. She often speaks about the importance of art in fostering empathy and understanding, and she continues to inspire young people to find their voices and use them to make a difference. Whether through her poems, her activism, or her modeling, Amanda S. C. Gorman has proven herself to be a force for good, a beacon of hope, and a true visionary of her time.
Her story is far from over, and the world eagerly awaits the next chapter in the life of this extraordinary poet, activist, and model. As she once wrote, “There is always light, if only we’re brave enough to see it.” Amanda Gorman is that light, shining brightly for generations to come.