Amanda Gorman to recite Super Bowl poem honoring Covid heroes after incredible inauguration performance
YOUNG poet Amanda Gorman is to recite another beautiful poem to honor Covid heroes at next week’s Super Bowl.
The rising star made history on January 20 as the youngest poet to read at an inauguration with her poem ‘The Hill We Climb’.
League officials announced today that the 22-year old has agreed to write and recite a poem honoring three pandemic heroes just before kickoff on February 7.
The game will be televised and shown inside Raymond James Stadium.
The three honorees were picked for embodying the NFL’s message of “It Takes All of Us” this season.
Gorman has read at official occasions before – including a July 4 celebration when she was backed by the Boston Pops Orchestra.
“The recitation of the poem will air nationally on CBS,” NFL officials said, “and be featured in-stadium.”
The trio who were hand-picked by the NFL are Trimaine David, a teacher, Suzie Dorner, a nurse and James Martin, a Marine Corps veteran.
They have all been widely praised for their help during the battle against Covid-19.
Davis has helped less fortunate families with technology and has been teaching his lessons over the Internet during quarantine.
Dorner worked overtime at the hospital saving Covid-19 patients – tragically losing two of his own grandparents at the same time.
RISING LITERARY STAR
And Martin has been on hand to help vets and other members of the community get through the pandemic.
All three were personally contacted by NFL legends Doug Baldwin, Derrick Brooks and Jerome Bettis and were given trips to the Super Bowl.
The three heroes will be honorary captains at the pre-game coin toss.
“We are honored to recognize these three individuals who represent the best in all of us,” NFL commish Roger Goodell said.
“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 recognize them during this special moment on Super Bowl Sunday.”
Gorman said she was not given specific instructions on what to write for Biden’s inauguration, but was encouraged to emphasize unity and hope over “denigrating anyone” or declaring “ding, dong, the witch is dead” over the departure of President Donald Trump.
It took her six minutes to read the poem.
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“The poem isn’t blind. [January 6] gave me a second wave of energy to finish the poem,” she said in reference to the January 6 Capitol riots.
“It isn’t turning your back to the evidence of discord and division.”
Gorman says the inaugural officials told her she had been recommended by First Lady Jill Biden.
