Amanda Gorman, the country's first national youth poet laureate, will hit the stage at the Democratic National Convention on Wednesday night to perform a brand-new poem in support of Vice President and Democratic nominee Kamala Harris. The 26-year-old poet, who first gained national acclaim during President Joe Biden's inauguration in 2021, is scheduled to recite her original work titled "This Sacred Scene" at the United Center in Chicago. The performance is set for 9:45 p.m. ET (6:45 p.m. PT) and will be part of a broader lineup of speakers and events during the convention's third night.
Gorman's appearance at the DNC marks another milestone in her career as a poet and activist. She rose to prominence at the age of 22 when she recited "The Hill We Climb" at Biden's swearing-in ceremony, becoming the youngest inaugural poet in U.S. history. That poem, written in the wake of the January 6 Capitol riots, called for unity and healing, and it resonated deeply with a nation grappling with political division. Now, three years later, Gorman is returning to the political stage to debut "This Sacred Scene," a poem she described to Vanity Fair as being inspired by an "atmosphere of change and unity." She noted that the DNC is a "four-day magical convening" and expressed a desire to "do justice to the occasion."
The poem's title, "This Sacred Scene," evokes a sense of reverence and transformation, reflecting the energy of the convention and the historic nature of Kamala Harris's candidacy as the first woman of color to lead a major party ticket. Gorman's work often explores themes of identity, justice, and hope, and this new piece promises to continue that tradition. Her performance will occur during a prime-time slot, following remarks from several Democratic leaders and activists. Viewers can watch live coverage of the DNC, including Gorman's recitation, through various news outlets and streaming platforms.
Who is Amanda Gorman?
Amanda Gorman was born in Los Angeles, California, on March 7, 1998. She is the eldest of three children raised by a single mother, Joan Wicks, who worked as a public-school teacher. Gorman began writing poetry at a young age as a way to cope with a speech impediment. She struggled with pronouncing certain sounds and found that putting her thoughts on paper helped her express herself more clearly. This early experience with language and communication shaped her poetic voice and her commitment to using words as a tool for empowerment.
At age 14, Gorman joined WriteGirl, a Los Angeles-based nonprofit that mentors teenage girls in creative writing. There, she honed her craft and discovered the power of spoken word poetry. Within two years, she was named the Youth Poet Laureate of Los Angeles. By age 19, while studying sociology at Harvard University, she became the first National Youth Poet Laureate in the United States, a title awarded by Urban Word, a youth literary arts organization. During her time at Harvard, she continued to perform and publish, building a reputation as a rising voice in American poetry.
Gorman's rise to national prominence came in 2021 when she was invited to read at the presidential inauguration. Her poem "The Hill We Climb" was written in a matter of weeks, drawing on themes from history and contemporary events. The poem's references to "a force that would shatter our nation rather than share it" directly alluded to the insurrection at the Capitol. Yet it ended on a note of optimism: "There is always light, if only we're brave enough to see it. If only we're brave enough to be it." The reading captivated audiences worldwide and earned her a Grammy nomination for best spoken word album. It also led to a book deal, with her poetry collection "The Hill We Climb" and a children's book "Change Sings" both becoming bestsellers.
Her influence extends beyond literature. Gorman has become a sought-after speaker and advocate for issues such as education, racial justice, and gender equality. She has spoken at the United Nations, appeared on magazine covers, and been named one of Time's 100 Next influential people. In 2023, she released her first novel-length poem, "Call Us What We Carry," which explores the collective trauma of the COVID-19 pandemic and the history of marginalized voices. Her work often interweaves personal narratives with broader social commentary, making her one of the most distinctive poets of her generation.
Gorman's Appearance at the 2024 DNC
The 2024 Democratic National Convention is being held in Chicago from August 19 to August 22. Gorman's performance is scheduled for the third night, which typically features speeches from prominent figures including the vice presidential nominee and the party's rising stars. Her slot at 9:45 p.m. ET places her in a key moment of the evening, likely just before or after major addresses. The convention will also include performances by musical artists, video tributes, and rhetoric aimed at mobilizing voters for the November election.
Gorman's decision to attend the DNC underscores her ongoing engagement with political and social issues. She has been vocal about her support for Democratic candidates and causes, though she often maintains a nonpartisan approach in her poetry. In interviews, she has emphasized that her role is not to campaign but to offer a vision of hope and resilience. Her poem "This Sacred Scene" is expected to reflect that spirit, drawing on the historical significance of the moment—a woman of color accepting the nomination for president—and the collective effort required to build a better future.
The DNC stage has hosted poets before, most notably Maya Angelou, who recited "On the Pulse of Morning" at President Bill Clinton's 1993 inauguration, and Robert Frost, who read "The Gift Outright" at President John F. Kennedy's 1961 inauguration. Gorman continues that tradition, but she also brings a contemporary sensibility that resonates with younger audiences. Her use of social media, her relatable storytelling, and her ability to address complex issues with clarity make her a powerful communicator in an era of political polarization.
For those unable to attend the convention in person, multiple outlets will provide live coverage. Many major news networks will stream the event, and the official DNC website will offer a live feed. Viewers can also check local listings or online platforms for full schedules. Gorman's performance is likely to be one of the most talked-about moments of the convention, given her popularity and the emotional weight of her poetry.
Gorman's Personal Journey and Advocacy
Gorman's own story of overcoming a speech impediment has inspired many. She has spoken openly about how writing helped her find her voice, and she continues to advocate for people with disabilities. In an era when many young people struggle with self-expression, her journey serves as a testament to the power of creativity and perseverance. She has also used her platform to highlight issues such as gun violence, climate change, and LGBTQ+ rights. Her book "Change Sings" encourages children to be agents of change, and her nonprofit work supports literacy programs in underserved communities.
In addition to her poetry, Gorman has become a cultural icon. She has walked the runway at fashion shows, collaborated with brands like Estée Lauder, and performed at major events including the Super Bowl, where she narrated a pregame video. Her distinctive style—often wearing bold colored outfits with crowns or headbands—has made her a fashion influencer as well. Despite her fame, she remains grounded, frequently acknowledging the teachers and mentors who supported her along the way.
Her academic background in sociology also informs her work. At Harvard, she studied how storytelling can shape social movements. She wrote her senior thesis on the role of poetry in political change, examining figures like Audre Lorde and Langston Hughes. This academic foundation, combined with her personal experiences, gives her poetry a depth that resonates across demographics.
Looking ahead, Gorman shows no signs of slowing down. She is working on new collections, planning a memoir, and continuing to perform at events worldwide. Her appearance at the 2024 DNC is just one step in what promises to be a long and influential career. As she takes the stage in Chicago, all eyes will be on her to see how she captures the spirit of the moment.
Source: Yahoo News News