Amanda Gorman, the acclaimed poet who gained national recognition as the youngest inaugural poet in U.S. history, performed her new poem “This Sacred Scene” at the Democratic National Convention on August 21. After stepping off the stage, she found a quiet corner in the United Center, moments before chatting about her latest experience at the DNC.
As Gorman adjusted to the atmosphere of a bustling stadium filled with notable figures like Bill Clinton, Nancy Pelosi, and Oprah Winfrey, she recounted the shift from the intimate setting of her inaugural performance to the larger audience at the convention. “I had to do a bit of growth in order to show up at the DNC in the way that I did,” she reflected, expressing both excitement and nervousness about the scale of the event.
Dressed in a striking icy blue gown, chosen for its resonance with her themes of hope and aspiration, Gorman delivered a powerful message in her poem. “Only now, approaching this rare air / Are we aware that perhaps the American dream / Isn’t a dream at all, but instead, a dare.” Her words echoed a call to action, urging the audience to embrace unity and togetherness.
In an interview following her performance, Gorman discussed her ambitions, including her thoughts on future presidential recitations and her hope for the upcoming election. She expressed her belief in the importance of representation, particularly for women, and the impact it has on future generations. “Regardless of how the Presidential election turns out, we know that when women run, that has massive impacts in our community,” she stated.
Gorman also shared insights about her upcoming book, “Girls on the Rise,” a children’s book set to be released in January, which focuses on the empowerment of female voices. The book draws from her previous work and reinforces her commitment to fostering inclusivity and representation.
As the conversation turned to her gown, Gorman revealed that her choice symbolized her aspirations. “When I’m in therapy and I’m trying to envision things I want from my life—new joys, new peace—we call it my blue sky,” she explained, expressing how the color reminds her to dream big.
In a moment that showcased her admiration for fellow creative icons, Gorman mentioned her excitement about meeting Oprah at the event, reinforcing the sense of community and support among those in attendance.
Ultimately, Gorman’s appearance at the DNC was not just a performance, but a celebration of hope, unity, and the power of the spoken word to inspire change and foster community spirit.