Childhood and Education Journey of Amanda Gorman in Timeline

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Amanda Gorman. A timeline of key moments.

Amanda Gorman is an American poet, activist, and model known for addressing themes of oppression, feminism, race, and the African diaspora in her work. She was the first National Youth Poet Laureate and gained widespread recognition in 2021 for her poem "The Hill We Climb," which she recited at President Joe Biden's inauguration. The poem's powerful message resonated globally, leading to best-selling status for her books and a professional management contract. Gorman's work has solidified her position as a prominent voice in contemporary literature and social commentary.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

March 7, 1998: Amanda Gorman Born

On March 7, 1998, Amanda S. C. Gorman was born. She would later become an American poet, activist, and model known for her work on oppression, feminism, race, and the African diaspora.

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2013: Inspired to become a youth delegate for the UN

In 2013, Amanda Gorman was inspired to become a youth delegate for the United Nations after watching a speech by Malala Yousafzai.

2017: Intention to run for President in 2036

In 2017, Amanda Gorman said she intends to run for president in 2036, and she has subsequently often repeated this hope.

2019: Inspiration from black female poets

In 2019, Amanda Gorman discussed her discovery of Toni Morrison in middle school and the impact of other black female poets such as Audre Lorde and Phillis Wheatley during high school. She also connected fashion and poetry, drawing inspiration from figures like Maya Angelou, the Duchess of Sussex, and Michelle Obama.

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2019: Studied in Madrid, Spain

In 2019, Amanda Gorman spent a semester studying in Madrid, Spain, with support from IES Abroad.

2020: Graduated cum laude from Harvard

In 2020, Amanda Gorman graduated cum laude from Harvard College with a degree in sociology, as a member of Phi Beta Kappa.

January 6, 2021: Amended poem after storming of the Capitol

After the storming of the United States Capitol on January 6, 2021, Amanda Gorman amended her poem's wording to address the event.

March 2021: Racially profiled by security guard

In March 2021, Amanda Gorman reported being racially profiled by a security guard near her home. She described herself as 'a threat to injustice, to inequality, to ignorance'.

2021: Hillary Clinton supports Gorman's 2036 aspiration

After Amanda Gorman read her poem "The Hill We Climb" at President Joe Biden's inauguration in 2021, Hillary Clinton tweeted her support for Gorman's 2036 aspiration to run for president.

May 2022: Published poem on Robb Elementary School shooting

In May 2022, Amanda Gorman published a short poem on Twitter about the Robb Elementary School shooting in Uvalde, Texas, and encouraged action on gun safety. She also penned the poem "Hymn for the Hurting".