Four years ago I wrote my inaugural poem The Hill We Climb. Both when I wrote it and performed it, I did so while continuously reflecting on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr and Coretta Scott King’s legacy, and the place I have in remembering that legacy as a Black woman and poet. When I stepped to the podium at the Capitol Building, I did so looking out in the bright distance at the Lincoln Memorial, where Dr. King had recited his renowned I Have a Dream Speech. An odd, exhilarating feeling I still can’t describe took over me as I looked up and out on that fateful January day that changed my life—I felt rooted in that history of our nation, empowered by that shared vision unity, hope, and justice for humanity. I was blown away by how my words reverberated around the world; if anything, it proved to me that we honor King’s dream, by daring to dream big, and by, most importantly, daring to dream together. Only then will the loving fantasies of our better nature transform into reality. Live today, and the days to come, as a promise: the work and fight for the dream persists, and what’s more, it is not just a fight, but fate—that perhaps we are as destined for this time as it is destined for us. What a worthwhile, powerful calling only we can answer. Here with you in the hill and the climb, and whatever light lies beyond, whatever light lies within. -Amanda
As a proud Angeleno, the fires that have devastated our county have been heart-breaking. I am so fortunate that while my own home in the Palisades was at risk and had some damage from the fires, I am safe. So many others cannot say the same, and my heart goes out to all of those who have been affected and are rebuilding their lives from ash. I wrote this poem, “Smoldering Dawn”, to process my own fears and prayers for us as we come together as a community to heal from this trauma. While we mourn what we have lost, we also give thanks to the first responders, firefighters and civilians who have fought so tirelessly to combat these fires and ensure the safety of so many. To honor them, I’m releasing this poem as a fundraiser for the California Fire Foundation, which is offering support and aid to firefighters families, as well as those who have been impacted by the fires. 💛 Give what you can, help who you can, stay safe, and this too we shall conquer.
When I learned of the opportunity to write a poem for @wickedmovie, I felt so honored, as well as nervous since it’s such an iconic phenomenon beloved by so many around the world. The musical interrogates the forces of good and evil, and more importantly, how we arrive there, and how we can push beyond categorizing “different” as “bad.” As a Black girl, I resonate deeply with the experience of being the Other in a room. But Wicked reminds us at our hearts that the power of connection, friendship, and compassion is the true magic that enables healing upon this earth. I hope you all enjoy my new poem “Do Us Good” inspired by the beautiful film that is Wicked! 💚💖🫧✨ Thank you for welcoming me into Oz @wickedmovie @jonmchu #marcplatt @cynthiaerivo @arianagrande @dlockxo
When I learned of the opportunity to write a poem for @wickedmovie, I felt so honored, as well as nervous since it’s such an iconic phenomenon beloved by so many around the world. The musical interrogates the forces of good and evil, and more importantly, how we arrive there, and how we can push beyond categorizing “different” as “bad.” As a Black girl, I resonate deeply with the experience of being the Other in a room. But Wicked reminds us at our hearts that the power of connection, friendship, and compassion is the true magic that enables healing upon this earth. I hope you all enjoy my new poem “Do Us Good” inspired by the beautiful film that is Wicked! 💚💖🫧✨ Thank you for welcoming me into Oz @wickedmovie @jonmchu #marcplatt @cynthiaerivo @arianagrande @dlockxo
When I learned of the opportunity to write a poem for @wickedmovie, I felt so honored, as well as nervous since it’s such an iconic phenomenon beloved by so many around the world. The musical interrogates the forces of good and evil, and more importantly, how we arrive there, and how we can push beyond categorizing “different” as “bad.” As a Black girl, I resonate deeply with the experience of being the Other in a room. But Wicked reminds us at our hearts that the power of connection, friendship, and compassion is the true magic that enables healing upon this earth. I hope you all enjoy my new poem “Do Us Good” inspired by the beautiful film that is Wicked! 💚💖🫧✨ Thank you for welcoming me into Oz @wickedmovie @jonmchu #marcplatt @cynthiaerivo @arianagrande @dlockxo
Fellow Ozians! @amandascgorman’s new poem “Do Us Good” inspired by @wickedmovie is out now. Watch and listen! 🫧🧹 #WickedPartner #WickedMovie #DoUsGood
Reposted from @nbcnews @kristen.welker @meetthepress – – – Thank you @kristen.welker for having me on @meetthepress to discuss book bans and my latest book, Girls on the Rise. It was great getting to talk to you about the importance of books and poetry in our nation. You can watch the full interview on the NBC YouTube channel.
Thank you for all the bday wishes everyone, my heart is so full! 💛 here’s to another wild year around a distant, daring sun
Thank you for all the bday wishes everyone, my heart is so full! 💛 here’s to another wild year around a distant, daring sun
Thank you for all the bday wishes everyone, my heart is so full! 💛 here’s to another wild year around a distant, daring sun
Thank you for all the bday wishes everyone, my heart is so full! 💛 here’s to another wild year around a distant, daring sun
Thank you for all the bday wishes everyone, my heart is so full! 💛 here’s to another wild year around a distant, daring sun
Girls on the Rise with illustrations by @loveiswiseillu is finally out! A huge shoutout and thanks to my friends at @penguinkids. This book is a celebration of girls of all kinds, and the power they and their allies possess. Marching boldly into the future, these girls demonstrate the many forms of girlhood, and the ways in which they shine. You can get a copy for the young readers in your lives at the link in my bio! ✨💕🌟
Girls on the Rise with illustrations by @loveiswiseillu is finally out! A huge shoutout and thanks to my friends at @penguinkids. This book is a celebration of girls of all kinds, and the power they and their allies possess. Marching boldly into the future, these girls demonstrate the many forms of girlhood, and the ways in which they shine. You can get a copy for the young readers in your lives at the link in my bio! ✨💕🌟
Girls on the Rise with illustrations by @loveiswiseillu is finally out! A huge shoutout and thanks to my friends at @penguinkids. This book is a celebration of girls of all kinds, and the power they and their allies possess. Marching boldly into the future, these girls demonstrate the many forms of girlhood, and the ways in which they shine. You can get a copy for the young readers in your lives at the link in my bio! ✨💕🌟
Spoke with @andersoncooper360 last night about the heartbreaking damage in Los Angeles. As I was reeling from the videos of my neighborhood in the Palisades battling the flames, I wrote this poem Our Smoldering Dawn in search of hope, and I did not have to search far: every minute I continue to be blown away by the togetherness, compassion and tirelessness of those battling the fires and supporting those displaced and in-need. Now more than ever LA needs you—check in on your loved ones, give what you can, hold who is near. You can donate to @cafirefound , which supports firefighters and those impacted by the fires, at the link in this post 🙏🏿
My new children’s book Girls on the Rise is available for pre-order! 📚💕Now more than ever it’s important to tell stories that empower young girls and their allies to use their voices and be a force of good in the world. The book has gorgeous, color-packed illustrations by the incredible @loveiswiseillu and I can’t wait for it to arrive in bookstores this Jan. 7! Link in bio to get yours 📖
‘Girls on the Rise’ author @amandascgorman shares how a song from ‘Hamilton’ helped her overcome her speech impediment!
@amandascgorman reflects on the challenge of writing children’s books, emphasizing the intellectual mind a child has and the work to craft honest, emotionally intelligent stories that resonate across generations: “Children are incredibly direct, straightforward and emotionally intelligent.”
✨ Girls on the Rise is an instant New York Times bestseller ✨ Written by Amanda Gorman and illustrated by Loveis Wise this picture book will inspire the girls in your life!
@amandascgorman working to inspire young kids with her new children’s book, “Girls on the Rise,” which celebrates the strength of women and how they’ve shaped history — and offers a rallying cry for the future. Gorman tells CBS Mornings about writing “a message that girls need to read.”
Behind the scenes from the Girls on the Rise pub day 💗 A huge thank you to my illustrator @loveiswiseillu and publisher @penguinkids, as well as @cbsmornings and @theviewabc for having me on to discuss this very special book for girls and their allies. You can pick up a copy for the young reader in your life at the link in my bio! 💕 . . . . . makeup: @lyndaesparza hair: @malikapalmerhair
🌷🌸GIRLS ON THE RISE from bestselling author and presidential inaugural poet Amanda Gorman, with vivid illustrations by Loveis Wise is an electrifying new picture book that reminds us how girls have shaped our history while marching boldly into the future. Pick up your copy today!
🌟 COMING SOON 🌟 Girls are strong and powerful alone, but even stronger when they work to uplift one another. In this galvanizing original poem by #1 New York Times bestselling author Amanda Gorman and illustrator Loveis Wise, girls and girlhood are celebrated in their many forms, all beautiful, not for how they look but for how they look into the face of fear. Preorder your copy of GIRLS ON THE RISE!
