“For there is always light,
if only we’re brave enough to see it
if only we’re brave enough to be it.”
These beautiful final words are from Amanda Gorman’s breathtaking inaugural poem, “The Hill We Climb,” which she performed at Joe Biden’s 2021 presidential inauguration. This performance made her the youngest inaugural poet, surprising many with her strong and passionate storytelling. As I watched her words unravel and take viewers even deeper through each meaningful articulation and pause, I knew she was going to take the world by storm. And consequently, she is.
In addition to her beautiful words at the historical 2021 presidential inauguration, Gorman presented another heartfelt poem entitled “Chorus of the Captains” dedicated to three incredible individuals for their meaningful work during the global pandemic. But not only did she deliver another well-spoken and passionate poem – she did it at the Super Bowl. And yes, you read that correctly, the Super Bowl. I’m still waiting for someone to pinch me. The fact that a poet performed at the Super Bowl for the first time is jaw-dropping enough, but also the fact that this poet is a young, intelligent, and beautiful woman of color is beyond anything I could have ever imagined. Gorman performed with the same passion and positivity as she did at the inauguration and truly honored those three Americans in a simple yet meaningful way. Here’s a link to her short but powerful Super Bowl performance via her Instagram. For a full direct text of her poem, check out this article.
While the world seems to be falling deeper into pandemic disparity, it is heartwarming to know that there are many bright lights in the world, one of them being Gorman’s passionate words that give us a greater sense of hope for a better future. One that is, as Gorman puts it, “a new dawn.” A future that we can see unraveling and taking shape in front of us. And one that is full of hope, change, and light.