Amanda Gorman became a household name in January 2021 when she recited her poem "The Hill We Climb" at the inauguration of President Joe Biden. Dressed in a striking yellow Prada coat and a red headband, the 22-year-old poet delivered a powerful message of unity and hope that resonated across a deeply divided America. Today, Gorman is not just a poet but a global changemaker, a fashion icon, and a budding political leader. Her journey from a shy child with a speech impediment to one of the most influential young voices in the world is both inspiring and instructive.
Gorman was born in Los Angeles in 1998 and raised alongside her twin sister by their single mother, an English teacher. While never impoverished, her family did not have unlimited resources. She recalls an unusual childhood—one where she rarely watched television and instead immersed herself in books and writing. At the age of 14, she read Toni Morrison's "The Bluest Eye," a novel that changed her life. "I had never read a book with a Black woman on the cover," Gorman told The New York Times. "When I finished it, I resolved never to stop writing and always to include marginalized characters. That's where my voice was born—the voice of a Black woman who is not ashamed of her speech impediment and knows what it is to be silenced."
Gorman has a speech impediment that makes it difficult for her to pronounce certain letters. Rather than seeing it as a hindrance, she views it as a gift. "It has sharpened my skills for reading and writing," she said in 2018 to The Harvard Gazette, the official news site of Harvard University, where she studied sociology and graduated with honors in 2020. Her difficulties with speech motivated her to find other ways to express herself. "Dance classes were too expensive, and when I wanted to start painting, I had to use cheap paint, which was frustrating. For writing, I only needed a pen and paper," she explained.
Her commitment to writing and activism began early. At 15, inspired by a speech from Malala Yousafzai, she became a youth delegate for the United Nations. That same year, she was named the first Youth Poet Laureate of Los Angeles, founded the nonprofit One Pen One Page to encourage young people to write, and published her first poetry collection, "The One for Whom Food Is Not Enough." The book received critical acclaim, catching the attention of Nike, which commissioned her to write a tribute to Black athletes. Gorman's choice of poetry as her medium is deeply connected to her speech challenges—she needed an outlet that required only her voice and a page.
By age 19, she had signed a contract for two children's books and even appeared on MTV, reading her poems to a hip teen audience. In April 2017, she became the first National Youth Poet Laureate in the United States, solidifying her place in the country's cultural elite. She increasingly used her platform to speak out against conservative policies, including a poem advocating for abortion rights. Her voice became a beacon for progressive change.
Gorman's fashion sense also evolved during this period. In 2018, she was photographed for the "Smart People" campaign of the fashion house Helmut Lang, alongside intellectuals like directors James Ivory and Luca Guadagnino, and British designer Max Lamb. When she studied abroad in Madrid for six months, Italian luxury brand Prada invited her to attend its fall-winter fashion show in Milan. "There is this idea of the poor, suffering poet, but I want to show that a poet can also be elegant," she told Vogue. She even penned a poem, "A Poet's Prada," in honor of Miuccia Prada. This blend of culture and commerce has drawn some criticism, but Gorman remains unapologetic. She believes that poets can be stylish and influential without compromising their values.
Her moment of global fame came at President Biden's inauguration. First Lady Jill Biden, a doctor of education, had suggested Gorman for the event. The impact was immediate: both of Gorman's children's books shot to the top of bestseller lists, "The Hill We Climb" was published as a standalone book, and her publisher increased print runs for her upcoming works to one million copies. Her Prada outfit became iconic, and Vogue named her a "new style icon." In September 2021, she co-chaired the Met Gala, one of the most exclusive events in fashion.
Beyond fashion, Gorman has leveraged her fame for social good. In October 2021, she announced a partnership with Estée Lauder Companies. The cosmetics giant invested $3 million over three years in her "Writing Change" program, which aims to promote literacy as a tool for equality. "Seventy-five years ago, Madame Estée Lauder broke the glass ceiling," Gorman said. "Keeping her spirit in mind, I am proud to be able to inspire other women, girls, and people." The collaboration is not just a typical celebrity endorsement; it is designed to create tangible impact for underserved communities, particularly young African Americans.
Gorman's ambitions extend far beyond poetry and partnerships. She has repeatedly stated her intention to run for President of the United States in 2036. "When I was 11, I told my class that I wanted to change the world," she recalled to USA Today. "My teacher laughed and said, 'Then you should run for president!' I answered without hesitation, 'Yes, I should.'" Her confidence is palpable. In an interview with The Wall Street Journal, she declared, "I don't need to change to be a leader." This self-assurance, however, raises questions about her close ties to luxury brands. Some critics wonder whether a future world leader should be so closely associated with exclusive labels like Prada and Estée Lauder. But Gorman seems unfazed, arguing that her partnerships are strategic and that she can be both a poet and a brand ambassador without diminishing her mission.
Her literary output continues to grow. In autumn 2021, she released two books: "Change Sings," a picture book about a young Black girl's musical journey that teaches kids about their power to effect change, and "Call Us What We Carry," a revised collection of poems including "The Hill We Climb." Both titles reinforce her central themes: hope, resilience, and the belief that young people can shape the future.
Amanda Gorman's story is far from over. Whether or not she ever occupies the Oval Office, she has already left an indelible mark on American culture. At just 23 years old, she has shown that a poet can be a leader, that a speech impediment can be a superpower, and that fashion and activism need not be at odds. Her journey—from a determined child with a pen to a global icon—is a testament to the power of words and the courage to dream big. As she continues to write, speak, and inspire, the world watches with anticipation, knowing that her voice is one that will not be silenced.
Source: L'Echo News