Amanda Gorman, the youngest ever Inaugural Poet, had some serious star-power supporting her during Wednesday’s ceremony in Washington D.C.
AfterJoe BidenandKamala Harrisweresworn in as the President and Vice President of the United States, 22-year-old Gorman took the stage to recite her empowering poem: “The Hill We Climb.”
“Maya [Angelou] did Bill Clinton’s address. She reached out to Amanda because [Winfrey] bought Maya her coat that she wore that day,” King explained. “She said, ‘I’d like to get a coat for you to carry on that tradition.'”
Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman prepares to speak at the inauguration of U.S. President Joe Biden.Drew Angerer/Getty
“[Gorman] said, ‘I’ve already picked out my coat. It’s yellow. It’s my favorite color.'” So instead of a coat, Winfrey gave Gorman earrings and “a ring that’s shaped like a caged bird” as a tribute to Angelou’s ionic poem, “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.”
Winfrey also showed support for Gorman onInstagramWednesday afternoon, writing, “I have never been prouder to see another young woman rise! Brava Brava,@amandascgorman! Maya Angelou is cheering-and so am I,” alongside a photo of the young poet.
After the ceremony, Gorman thanked Winfrey on Twitter: “I would be nowhere without the women whose footsteps I dance in,” she wrote, adding, “While reciting my poem, I wore a ring with a caged bird-a gift from@Oprahfor the occasion , to symbolize Maya Angelou, a previous inaugural poet. Here’s to the women who have climbed my hills before.”
Last week, Gorman hinted that her poem wouldn’t be “blind” while speaking with the Associated Press, noting that it would also touch on the deadlyriot in the U.S. Capitol building.
“It isn’t turning your back to the evidence of discord and division,” she said.
source: people.com
