Literature

Amanda Gorman

Born March 7, 1998 · Los Angeles, California

The youngest inaugural poet in U.S. history — Amanda Gorman electrified the nation at President Biden's inauguration with "The Hill We Climb" and became the voice of a generation at age 22.

Known For

Youngest inaugural poet in U.S. history

Poem

"The Hill We Climb"

Honor

First National Youth Poet Laureate

Amanda S.C. Gorman was born and raised in Los Angeles by a single mother who was a middle school English teacher. Gorman had a speech impediment as a child and used poetry to overcome it, finding power in the careful shaping of language.

At 16, she was named the first National Youth Poet Laureate. She studied sociology at Harvard University, where she continued writing and performing poetry that addressed race, feminism, and the African diaspora.

On January 20, 2021, at age 22, Gorman became the youngest inaugural poet in American history, reading "The Hill We Climb" at President Biden's inauguration. Her performance — poised, powerful, and radiant in a yellow coat — captivated the nation. Her books became instant bestsellers, and she became a global symbol of young Black excellence and the enduring power of words.