If, like everyone else, you took note of Amanda Gorman, the National Youth Poet Laureate who delivered a memorable and monumental reading of The Hill We Climb at Joe Biden's Inauguration last month, you might be pleased to know this was only the beginning for the 22-year-old poet, with the recent announcement that Gorman is the first poet to ever recite at the Super Bowl.
Gorman will be performing an original poem at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa Florida, to kick off the event, and will centre around three honorary captains – educator Trimaine Davis, nurse manager Suzie Dorner and veteran James Martin – “who served as leaders in their respective communities during the global pandemic.”
“During this incredibly challenging time in our lives, Trimaine, Suzie and James have exemplified the essence of leadership, each in their own way. We are grateful for their commitment and proud to share their stories and recognise them during this special moment on Super Bowl Sunday,” NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell shared in a statement.
Alongside the announcement of her performance, Gorman posted on Instagram to express her gratitude and excitement to have been chosen for this monumental occasion, “What’s most exciting for me isn’t just the placement of poetry at the forefront of the most-watched U.S. television broadcast, but that this poem will honour three heroes who have served their communities during the coronavirus pandemic,” she wrote. "I can’t wait for the world to hear the stories of these inspiring people making a difference in trying times." She continued. “When I was called with the idea of honouring these three amazing change-makers, I was so touched by their altruism… After all that hard work and the weeks of writing, I’m so ready for the ode to these three warriors to kick off the Super Bowl.”
Gorman additionally commented on being aware of the assumption that the opportunity came by way of her inauguration fame, which she wanted to clear up, "I also wanted to be the first to say that while it’s easy to say that this opportunity must’ve came from my inauguration fame, I’ve actually been talking with the Super Bowl team for weeks now, far prior to the invite to and announcement of my participation in the inauguration." she said.
The Super Bowl LV will kick off at 6:30 pm EST on February 7.
Image: @amandascgorman
