Essential Information About Her and Viewing Schedule

Amanda Gorman, recognized as the nation’s first national youth poet laureate, is scheduled to perform a new poem at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) on Wednesday night. Her poetic presentation will support Vice President and Democratic nominee Kamala Harris.

Gorman’s appearance at the DNC marks a significant moment over three years after she delivered her original piece titled “The Hill We Climb” at President Joe Biden’s inauguration in 2021. This performance followed the tradition established by other notable poets like Robert Frost and Maya Angelou.

At only 26 years old, Gorman is expected to unveil a new composition entitled “This Sacred Scene.” Inspired by the current “atmosphere of change and unity,” this poem aims to resonate with the spirit of the DNC, as shared with Vanity Fair.

In her conversation with Vanity Fair, Gorman expressed her eagerness about the event: “It’s such a big convention… I’m used to speaking at one-time, one-day events. This is a four-day magical convening of so many other speakers that I want to really do justice to the occasion.”

Gorman’s performance, featuring “This Sacred Scene,” will take place at 9:45 p.m. ET/6:45 p.m. PT at The United Center in Chicago, which is hosting the 2024 Democratic National Convention. The event will be livestreamed by USA TODAY on YouTube.

Gorman rose to prominence as the first national youth poet laureate and holds the title of the youngest inaugural poet in U.S. history. This remarkable journey began in her upbringing in Los Angeles, where she started writing to overcome a speech impediment with the support of her mother, a public-school teacher.

At the age of 14, she joined WriteGirl, a nonprofit organization in Los Angeles that empowers teen girls to express themselves through creative writing. By 16, Gorman had been named the Youth Poet Laureate of Los Angeles. Just three years later, while studying sociology at Harvard University, she became the first-ever national youth poet laureate.

Her appearance at Biden’s inauguration was a pivotal moment. Gorman recited her poem “The Hill We Climb” to mark Biden’s presidency, using her five-minute reading to celebrate the nation’s diversity. She urged Americans to strive to improve their country and called for healing and unity, referencing the events of January 6, when the Capitol was stormed earlier that month.

Gorman’s words resonated widely, encapsulating the hope and resolve of many Americans during a challenging time.

Amanda Gorman’s journey has garnered her immense recognition, and her upcoming performance at the DNC promises to uphold that legacy by inspiring others through the powerful medium of poetry.

Source: USA TODAY