Amanda Gorman captured the world's attention

when she became the youngest inaugural poet

delivering a powerful message at President Biden's

inauguration in 2021 at the age of 22.

We will not march back to what was,

but move to what shall be, a country that is bruised,

but whole, benevolence,ence but bold fierce and free

in the four years since gorman has become an advocate speaking out against racial inequality

and the banning of books she is out with a new book girls on the rise where she speaks to young

women about empowerment, inclusivity,

and facing their fears. I sat down with Amanda Gorman for a Meet the Moment conversation

where we discussed her journey and how poetry can speak to all Americans.

Amanda Gorman, welcome to meet the press. Thank you. I'm so excited to be here. It is an honor to have you here. Before we delve into your new book of poetry, I do want to ask you about the fires that are burning in California. You live there. You have a home there. How is your home? How are your family and friends? Our hearts go out to all of you.

Oh, thank you so much. That means a lot. I am from Los Angeles and I live there now.

And I think we're seeing this both locally but also globally with the climate crisis.

Californians were pretty hardy, strong people and we know how to deal with disaster and tragedy,

but every single year it seems there's an uptick in what we have to face from the forces of nature.

And so I'm just really grateful that the first responders were so quick to act and that the community is rallying in the way that it is,

because there's a lot more it seems to come as we face this together.

But we're holding strong, so thank you so much.

And do you know how your home is doing?

I do not. I think it looks good from what I'm seeing, but I just woke up and came to this interview,

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