Who Is Amanda Gorman? Meet The Young Poet Who Just Made History At The Inauguration

Wednesday's inauguration ceremony was filled with history-making moments, most notably the swearing-in of Vice President Kamala Harris. But another young woman who took to the podium for the occasion has captured the heart of the nation - and made history herself. 

Amanda Gorman, the 22-year-old who was named the first National Youth Poet Laureate in 2017, became the youngest ever inaugural poet to speak at the ceremony. The honor has previously been given to the likes of Robert Frost and Maya Angelou. 

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Gorman, who hails from Los Angeles, attended Harvard University and graduated (virtually) last year with a BA in Sociology. She has authored two poetry collections and is also the founder and executive director of One Pen One Page, an organization providing free creative writing programs for underserved youth.

In front of millions tuning in for the event, Gorman, clad in Prada, recited her original work, "The Hill We Climb."

"I’m deeply humbled to be taking part in such a historic moment," she told Teen Vogue. "It’s an honor not only to be the youngest inaugural poet but to be a participant in an inauguration that symbolizes much-needed change, as embodied by President Elect Biden and Vice President Elect Harris.”

You can watch the powerful performance below:

[Photo via Getty]