Gorman does this with her electric words like “belly of the beast,” “bronze-pounded,” and “catastrophe.” These words underscore the urgency of the issues that she addresses, effectively stirring her listeners’ emotions. Not only that, but writers have the ability to craft their words to appeal to their audience’s emotions. They can identify and address issues clearly and comprehensively. Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” speech! But what makes writing a uniquely beneficial tool for advancing social justice movements? Well, for one thing, good writers are strong communicators. Imagine the civil rights movement without Dr. Words and writing have held a pivotal place in some of the most significant social justice movements in American history. Both my reaction and the general public’s reception the poem illustrate the powerful potential of writing as a tool for activism and social justice. And I wasn’t alone in my response to “The Hill We Climb.” Members of prominent literary circles, like Yona Harvey and other eminent figures like Lin-Manuel Miranda and Malala Yousafzai expressed similar feelings of inspiration after listening. I felt a renewed sense of purpose towards my goal of being an antiracist member of society and future educator. Her poem is notably hopeful, with lines like, “We will rise from the gold-limbed hills of the west” echoing the words of Maya Angelou’s inspiring poem “Still I Rise.” I found this hopefulness strengthening and rousing. In one example, Gorman plays with her words, noting that “what just is / isn’t always just-ice.” In another line, she appears to reference the storming of the Capitol, which had only occurred fourteen days prior, “We’ve seen a force that would…destroy our country if it meant delaying / democracy.” Gorman’s poem, with its appeal for solidarity and justice for the oppressed, is a profound example of writing as activism.ĭuring a global health crisis, national unrest regarding police brutality, and the 2020 presidential election, I couldn’t think of a time when Gorman’s words would be more relevant or necessary. Upon closer examination, I noticed the sundry hard-hitting and cleverly-written lines that call for unity and justice among the American people. I was initially captivated by Gorman’s rhythmic articulation and poised disposition. America’s first national Youth Poet Laureate, Gorman recited her poem, “The Hill We Climb.” There were many highlights (Michelle Obama’s fabulous monochromatic outfit was one), but I found myself especially moved by Amanda Gorman’s role in the ceremony.

On a gloomy January day, before the start of my 2021 Spring Semester at SUNY Geneseo, I sat down to watch the inauguration of Joe Biden. Posted by Hailey Cullen, Poetry Reader for Issue 9.2 Photo by Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff on Flickr

The hill we climb amanda gorman