UB Distinguished Speaker Series: Amanda Gorman

We’re proud to bring world-renowned speakers to UB for the annual Distinguished Speakers Series. As we open our doors to the community, we hope you’ll join us for thought-provoking discussions and inspirational stories.

History-Making Inaugural Poet | First-Ever Youth Poet Laureate of the USA | Bestselling Author | Advocate 

Amanda Gorman is the youngest inaugural poet in U.S. history. She is a committed advocate for the environment, racial equality and gender justice. Gorman’s activism and poetry have been featured on the “Today Show,” “PBS Kids,” and “CBS This Morning,” and in the New York Times, Vogue and Essence.  After graduating cum laude from Harvard University, she now lives in her hometown of Los Angeles. In 2017, Gorman was appointed the first-ever National Youth Poet Laureate by Urban Word & a program that supports Youth Poets Laureate in more than 60 cities, regions and states nationally. Gorman’s groundbreaking performance of her poem, “The Hill We Climb,” at the 2021 presidential inauguration received international critical acclaim, inspiring millions of viewers with her message of hope, resilience and healing.