A Poet Laureate serves as the official poet of the United States. So far, we have not had a “youth” Poet Laureate until now, and her name is Amanda Gorman.
At 18-years-old, Gorman is not only the first Poet Laureate of the United States, she is a poet, community leader, activist, Harvard freshman, commissioned speaker, and change-maker. The talented young rising star has met President and Mrs. Obama, she’s spoken around the world, she has served as a United Nations Youth Delegate, but her accolades don’t stop there. This truly divine storyteller has also worked with the LA Commission on Human Relations to brainstorm youth programs, she has spoken at the world-renowned Kennedy Center, and published a collection of work entitled, The One for Whom Food Is Not Enough.
In addition to her writing, this accomplished member of Generation Z is the founder and Executive Director of One Pen One Page, a nonprofit that encourages and promotes literacy and leadership for young people through creative writing workshops. As if you think she couldn’t be any more busier, this political science student is also the Editor-in-Chief of the OPOP online literary magazine and much much more.
Wise beyond her years, Gorman brings a certain magic and mystery back to poetry. Check out her spoken word below and let us know what you think. To learn more about this exceptional young lady, visit her website. She is definitely one rising star that we must keep a watch on!
