Amanda Gorman, the country’s first award-winning young national poet, made history again on Sunday by becoming the first person to recite a poem during a pre-Super Bowl ceremony.
Gorman, a 22-year-old Harvard graduate who last month became the youngest person to write a poem for the presidential inauguration, used Sunday’s stage at Raymond James Stadium to honor three honorary captains of the NFL selected for the game.
“Today we honor our captains, for their actions and their impact in a time of uncertainty and need,” Gorman began his poem.
“They have taken the initiative, exceeding all expectations and limitations by elevating their communities and neighbors as leaders, healers and educators.”
Gorman recognized Trimaine Davis, a Los Angeles professor, Suzie Dorner, a Tampa Bay nurse, and James Martin, a Navy veteran.
Davis has made sure his students have access to the Internet and laptops so they can continue their training during the pandemic.
Meanwhile, Dorner runs the COVID ICU at Tampa General Hospital and Martin helped veterinarians and their families stay in touch with virtually the Wounded Warrior Project.
“We will walk with these warriors, carry these champions, and carry forward the call of our captains,” Gorman said in his poem.
“We celebrate them by acting with courage and compassion, doing what is right and just,” he continued.
“Even though we honor them today, they are the ones who honor us every day.”