Amanda Gorman has become the youngest poet ever to perform at a presidential inauguration, calling for "unity and togetherness" in her self-penned poem.
The Los Angeles-born poet delivered her work The Hill We Climb to both the dignitaries present in Washington DC and a watching global audience of billions.
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At 22 years old, Ms Gorman has become the youngest poet to perform at a presidential inauguration.
Here's Amanda Gorman's wonderful Inaugural Poem. Please share! pic.twitter.com/Vs4ZnqGkdB
— Seth Abramson (@SethAbramson) January 20, 2021
She became the country's first national youth poet laureate in 2017, followed in the footsteps of such famous names as Robert Frost and Maya Angelou.
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In 2015 her first book, The One for Whom Food Is Not Enough, was released - and her next book, Change sings, is due to be published later this year.
Michelle Obama said: With her strong and poignant words, @TheAmandaGorman reminds us of the power we each hold in upholding our democracy. Keep shining, Amanda! I can't wait to see what you do next.
With her strong and poignant words, @TheAmandaGorman reminds us of the power we each hold in upholding our democracy. Keep shining, Amanda! I can't wait to see what you do next. 💕 #BlackGirlMagic
— Michelle Obama (@MichelleObama) January 20, 2021
Photo credit: Rob Carr pic.twitter.com/C2cf0U5iEj
Oprah Winfrey said she had "never been prouder" and referenced the late writer and civil rights activist Maya Angelou in her praise.
I have never been prouder to see another young woman rise! Brava Brava, @TheAmandaGorman! Maya Angelou is cheering—and so am I. pic.twitter.com/I5HLE0qbPs
— Oprah Winfrey (@Oprah) January 20, 2021
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