Spoken Word and how it continues to be a source of energy and power
Words matter. During a year of misinformation and political polarization, words served to divide us. Amanda Gorman’s spoken word during the inauguration challenged us and used words to call us to action to rise and “merge mercy with might.”
On January 20th, Joe Biden was sworn into Presidency. In attendance was singer-songwriter Lady Gaga, triple threat Jennifer Lopez, and country star Garth Brooks, who sang musical words steeped in American tradition and patriotism. Among the A-list celebrities was 22-year-old Amanda Gorman. The poet from California offered a fresh voice with her spoken word entitled “The Hill We Climb.” Gorman is the youngest inaugural poet and woman of color to speak at the inauguration, but her words of unity and power overrode her young age. The United States was captivated by her emotion and honesty. I was too. I tuned into the inauguration in between my college workload just in time to see her speak. I remember thinking “This is going to make history.” I am only three years younger than Gorman, so seeing an artist nearly my age speak at the inauguration, inspired me, as it likely inspired other young women my age as well. Her words perfectly encompassed what we were all feeling, a nation so broken by the past year.
In high school, spoken word was just a short lesson in English class. It was required to memorize a 6-stanza poem written by some poet no one had ever heard of and perform in front of the class. Usually, this involved students writing hints and cheat words on the back of their hands or memorizing the words in the bathroom before class. It was more of just a “get it over with and never do it again” motto. I never realized how powerful the spoken word could be, until I listened to one that meant something to me. Gorman’s poem meant something to me. It allowed me to see the power of word, and how a year so dreadful can began to feel hopeful again.
Spoken word has roots in rap, hip-hop, and theater. It was noted to be a part of poetry in Africa in areas such as the Nile and Volta river valleys. During the Harlem Renaissance, spoken word was largely popular in the African American culture as a way to make public the voices of Black artists. The energy and feelings behind this art encouraged to change and grit, as it still does in 2021.
Amanda Gorman’s spoken word at the inauguration was a symbolic long-awaited first for women of color. The Black Lives Matter movement created an even louder voice than before for Blacks and allies of other races to fight for equal treatment, especially with law enforcement. They fought and fought hard for something that shouldn’t even be a discussion. The combination of our new vice president, Kamala Harris, and Amanda Gorman on stage at the inauguration was a powerhouse of change. During February, which is Black History Month, these women stand as inspiration for a better, more equal tomorrow for women and people of color. I am inspired every day by the energy of two women making such a change in American history. Spoken word doesn’t only entertain, but it promotes power and integrity. As a young white woman, I am honored to be a witness to a time in history when we are not only empowering women of color but watching them call us into being “brave enough to be it.”