Amanda Gorman Says A Security Guard Followed Her Home Because She ‘Looked Suspicious’
The 23-year-old has had quite a run of recent accolades. Since January, she’s topped Amazon’s book charts, performed a poem at the Super Bowl, gotten a job offer from an HBCU and signed a modeling contract with IMG Models, among other things.
However, she continues to make it clear that she won’t be the only Black woman traveling this road to widespread acclaim. In a Time interview with former First Lady Michelle Obama, Gorman gave advice to young Black girls walking towards the spotlight.
“I’m learning that I am not lightning that strikes once. I am the hurricane that comes every single year, and you can expect to see me again soon,” she said, alluding to other Black girls.
“Especially for girls of color, we’re treated as lightning or gold in the pan — we’re not treated as things that are going to last. You really have to crown yourself with the belief that what I’m about and what I’m here for is way beyond this moment.”