Amanda Gorman Makes history as the first poet to be featured on the cover of Vogue Magazine

By Deon C. Jefferson

Vogue magazine has been under fire in the past few years for not including enough Black people. More recently, they experienced controversy when they debuted the photos of Simone Biles, which was shot by Anne Lebovitz. Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour discusses in a note to her staff about the “mistakes” Vogue has made when it comes to Black voices.

“I know Vogue has not found enough ways to elevate and give space to Black editors, writers, photographers, designers and other creators. We have made mistakes too, publishing images or stories that have been hurtful or intolerant. I take full responsibility for those mistakes.”

This statement was made in June of 2020, which was when the world was dealing with the effects of George Floyd. For the 2021 May Spring issue, Amanda Gorman became the first ever poet to be featured on the cover of Vogue. The cover is a win for her as a poet, for sure. But, most of the Black community is singing the praises of Vogue for the authenticity of the cover. It seems to be one of the most culturally diverse covers in their history. For instance, Gorman is wearing a Louis Vouitton blanket styled as a dress with a gold belt. The blanket was designed by Virgil Abloh, Louis Vuitton’s first Black artistic director, and it was inspired by African textiles. Vogue even incorporated the vibrant green into the font from the magazine cover. Just like the Simome Biles photos, these were also taken by famed photographer Anie Lebovitz. Not only is she the first poet to be featured, she is also the second non musician/actor to be featured this year, the first was Madam Vice President Kamala Harris.

Gorman deserves every accolade she is receiving right now. She is quite the accomplished artist. Not only was she the talk of the town after her inaugural poem “The Hills We Climb”, she also has been signed to IMG Models, graced the cover of Time Magazine in February, and was a featured panelist for International Women’s Day along with the likes of Hillary Clinton, Chrissy Teigan and Nancy Pelosi. As if that’s not enough, Gorman is the youngest inaugural poet in history, the first poet to write and perform an original poem for the Super Bowl. Her book “The Hill We Climb” is making history in a major way. It became the first time a book of poetry was #1 on USA Today’s Best Selling Book list since the inception of the chart in October of 1993.

“I am so humbled and honored by this exciting news”, Goramn told USA Today in a recent interview. “I know that this best-seller spot comes from so many people deciding to bring my words into their lives. It makes me speechless to see poetry have such a ripple effect, and I’m excited to see more poets stand beside me on the best-seller list.”

The 22 year old Harvard graduate will be the host of the Met Gala this year in September. With all Gorman has going on, it’s refreshing to see someone receive so many acknowledgements that’s not a Black actress or a singer. Vogue is notorious for praising people like Viola Davis, Rhianna, and Beyonce. Morna is inspiring a new wave of women and bringing new meaning to the term “Black girl magic”