The Youngest Inaugural Poet Amanda Gorman Has Ties To Sacramento

At 22 years old Amanda Gorman became the youngest poet laureate to recite a poem at a presidential inauguration on Wednesday, January 20.

Gorman has found international fame after she performed her poem "The Hill We Climb," at President Joe Biden's inauguration.

While people like President Biden, Governor Gavin Newsom, and Oprah Winfrey have been expressing their love for her poetry, perhaps Gorman's biggest fan is her grandmother who watched the presidential inauguration from her Sacramento home.

Sacramento resident Bertha Gorman spoke with KCRA3 to discuss how proud she was of her granddaughter's historic achievement.

"I always knew that she could do this when the opportunity presented," Gorman said. "I knew that she could do it. I was just filled with pride for my family, for her family, for her friends and for her."

Growing up in the segregated South, the elder Gorman said the significance of both Amanda's achievement and Kamala Harris stepping into the role of Vice President was not lost on her.

"This day is very impactful because it's so historic," she said. "I mean, to be the first Black woman of color who has been elected as the vice president of the United States, I mean that is historical and for her to be part of that is beyond fantastic."

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