“The Hill We Climb”
This #thankyouthursday, I am grateful for “The Hill We Climb”—which is to say I am grateful for Amanda Gorman and her ability to use her voice, which is to say I am grateful for democracy. Again.
When I expressed gratitude for democracy two weeks ago, it was in the immediate aftermath of a violent attempt to disrupt democracy. I was relieved that the mob was unsuccessful, and I was also disappointed by what seemed like a lack of consequences for those involved.
Since then, consequences have come, and they continue to arrive, and I am grateful.
It important to acknowledge and address wrongdoing, especially when the wrongdoing is advocating for white supremacy and violence.
And it is also important to acknowledge and address what is good and right, to shine a light on the positive outcomes that are available to this nation.
Today is the first day of a new presidential administration, and at yesterday’s inauguration, I heard fierce truth and hope come from the mouth of Amanda Gorman.
“The Hill We Climb” feels like more than verse—it feels like a verdict, a mandate, an anthem.
“My hope is that my poem will represent a moment of unity for our country,” Gorman said, “that with my words I’ll be able to speak to a new chapter and era for our nation.”
And I say, yes. Please. Thank you.
Love > fear,
Christina