President David Wilson of Morgan State University hopes that inaugural poet Amanda Gorman will accept his offer to become part of the University as the Poet-in-Residence.
“Ms. Gorman, I need you as our Poet-in-Residence at the National Treasure, @MorganStateU,” Wilson tweeted shortly after Gorman’s acclaimed performance of her original poem, “The Hill We Climb,” at the inauguration of President Joe Biden.
“Outstanding!!!!! Consider this a job offer!”
According to the Baltimore Sun, Wilson said that the offer is 100% genuine despite his informal phone interview approach.
“I was glued to the TV as I was watching her,” Wilson said.
“I’m very serious about opening an opportunity for her to come here as a poet in residence. We have all kinds of authors on campus, and we think that being at Morgan for a year would give her an even deeper and wider perspective on the issues she is addressing. If she would accept this offer, I would move on it in a heartbeat.”
“I will be watching my emails,” he added.
Gorman, 22, is probably receiving a flood of opportunities after her stellar performance at the 2021 inauguration. She could not be reached for immediate comment.
Gorman is the youngest inaugural poet. Her performance will likely be a career breakthrough.
“Historic and showstopping,” raved Entertainment Tonight.
“Stunning,” CNN stated.
The poet’s six-minute free verse poem was delivered fluidly and emotionally as it contained references from the late Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., and former President John F. Kennedy.
Gorman’s recital echoed spoken rap performances while also paying tribute to Lin-Manuel Miranda’s blockbuster musical, “Hamilton.” It also created narrative power by sticking to traditional poetic devices by using alliteration, repetition, and internal rhymes, the outlet said.
Still, it was Gorman’s own words that resonated with listeners. At one point, she spoke on the January 6 Capitol insurrection that left five people dead.
“We’ve seen a force that would shatter our nation rather than share it,” Gorman began.
“Would destroy our country if it meant delaying democracy.
“And this effort very nearly succeeded.
“But while democracy can be periodically delayed.”
“It can never be permanently defeated.”
The audience’s reaction was captured on video audio, as some gasped.
“There is always light,” she said, “if only we are brave enough to see it. If only we are brave enough to be it.”
Morgan said Gorman reminded him of many of the students at the HBCU.
“She was coming from the same place as many of them in terms of her concern for social justice and equal opportunity,” he said. “If she were to come to Morgan, I think she would connect with them in a very special way.”
