Amanda Gorman's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Amanda Gorman.

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

2014: Chosen as the first youth poet laureate of Los Angeles

In 2014, Amanda Gorman was chosen as the first youth poet laureate of Los Angeles. It was also reported in 2014 that Gorman was editing the first draft of a novel she had been writing for two years.

April 2017: Named National Youth Poet Laureate

In April 2017, while at Harvard, Amanda Gorman became the first person to be named National Youth Poet Laureate. She also won a $10,000 grant from OZY in the annual OZY Genius Awards.

2017: Featured on XQ Institute's Book of the Month

In 2017, Amanda Gorman became the first author to be featured on XQ Institute's Book of the Month. She also wrote a tribute for black athletes for Nike and signed a book deal with Viking Children's Books for two children's picture books.

2018: Named one of Glamour magazine's "College Women of the Year"

In 2018, Amanda Gorman was selected as one of Glamour magazine's "College Women of the Year", and expressed her desire to inspire people through politics.

2018: Speech Impediment as a Gift

In 2018, Elida Kocharian of The Harvard Crimson, wrote that Gorman doesn't view her speech impediment as a crutch but as a gift and a strength. Gorman told The Harvard Gazette in 2018, that she saw it as a strength because she became really good at reading and writing.

2018: Poem displayed at The Morgan Library and Museum

In 2018, The Morgan Library and Museum acquired Amanda Gorman's poem "In This Place (An American Lyric)" and displayed it near works by Elizabeth Bishop.

2019: Named one of The Root magazine's "Young Futurists"

In 2019, Amanda Gorman was chosen as one of The Root magazine's "Young Futurists". She also expressed support for abortion rights and Roe v. Wade in a NowThis News video.

January 20, 2021: Read poem at Biden's inauguration

On January 20, 2021, Amanda Gorman read her poem "The Hill We Climb" at the inauguration of Joe Biden, becoming the youngest poet to read at a presidential inauguration in United States history.

February 2021: Time magazine cover

In February 2021, Amanda Gorman made the cover of Time magazine.

March 2021: Published "The Hill We Climb" as a book

In March 2021, the book version of Amanda Gorman's poem "The Hill We Climb" was published, featuring a foreword by Oprah Winfrey. It debuted at No. 1 on several bestseller lists.

The Hill We Climb: An Inaugural Poem for the Country

Check it on Amazon

September 2021: Upcoming books hit bestseller lists

In September 2021, shortly after Gorman's performance at the inauguration, her two upcoming books, "The Hill We Climb" and "Change Sings: A Children's Anthem", both scheduled for release in September 2021, topped Amazon's bestseller list.

The Hill We Climb: An Inaugural Poem for the Country

Check it on Amazon

2021: Rose to fame after writing and delivering "The Hill We Climb" at Biden's inauguration

In 2021, Amanda Gorman rose to fame after writing and delivering her poem "The Hill We Climb" at the inauguration of Joe Biden. Following this, two of her books became bestsellers, and she signed a professional management contract.

2021: Used songs as speech therapy

In 2021, Amanda Gorman told CBS This Morning co-host Anthony Mason that she used songs as a form of speech therapy, specifically "Aaron Burr, Sir," from Hamilton.