The empowering reason Amanda Gorman wore her headband horizontally at Biden’s inauguration
22-year-old made headlines for her stellar performance of 'The Hill We Climb'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Poet Amanda Gorman has revealed why she chose to wear her now-infamous scarlet headband horizontally at Joe Biden's presidential inauguration in January.
The 22-year-old became the unlikely star of the political event after reciting her original work “The Hill We Climb”.
While much attention was paid to Gorman's lyrical genius, similar praise was awarded to her colourful Prada outfit, which comprised a yellow coat and, notably, a generously padded satin headband worn in an unconventional style.
Now, Gorman has explained the reason why she chose to wear her headwear this way.
On Wednesday, the poet shared a New York Times article about the empowering history behind headbands, which have been worn by numerous female political figures, to her Instagram Story.
"At the inauguration, I truly wanted to continue the history of strong women in headbands," she wrote in a caption over the top.
"It was my mom who suggested I wear it horizontal with my thick braids," Gorman continued.
"I highly suggest a headband crown for anyone wanting to stand taller, straighter, and prouder."
Gorman paired her vivid headband on the day with jewellery that had been gifted to her by none other than Oprah Winfrey, who has a tradition of supporting poet laureates ahead of inauguration addresses, having sent Maya Angelou a blue Chanel coat and gloves for her address at Bill Clinton’s 1993 inauguration.
Gorman wore a pair of Nikos Koulis gold hoop earrings and a hanging diamond and a birdcage ring by the brand Of Rare Origin. The ring was a symbolic reference to Angelou's 1969 autobiography, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, which she has previously credited as an inspiration to her own work.
In 2017, she became America’s first national youth poet laureate before graduating from Harvard in 2020.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments