During the filming of “Amanda Gorman: Brave Enough with Robin Roberts – A Special Edition of 20/20,” which aired on ABC last night, inaugural poet Amanda Gorman surprised several Harlem Academy middle school students with a special visit on Zoom. The students were not only able to chat with Ms. Gorman but also recite their original poems about bravery for her. Ms. Gorman offered each student praise, encouragement, and insightful feedback on their poems.
She also sent them a gift: a copy of her forthcoming book, “Change Sings: A Children’s Anthem.”
To see Harlem Academy’s ABC segment, click on the link below:
“We were excited that some of our students had the opportunity to spend time with inaugural poet Amanda Gorman,” says Head of School Vinny Dotoli. “She is an inspiration to our students, all of whom delve into the craft of poetry with passion and purpose. Harlem Academy’s approach to poetry as part of our English curriculum gives students agency to express their views about issues that matter to them. And the powerful results demonstrate their robust writing, critical thinking, and diverse perspectives. It was wonderful to see Ms. Gorman experience that firsthand.”
Every year, Harlem Academy middle school students explore the craft of poetry alongside professional poets as part of the school’s Visiting Poets Program, a longstanding partnership with the Poetry Society of America that brings professional poets of color into the classroom to guide students through the writing and revision process.
As part of the program, students perform an original poem for family and friends – often difficult topics, always with poise and bravery. Harlem Academy is thrilled that several of its students have now had the incredible opportunity to perform their work for iconic poet Amanda Gorman.
Harlem Academy drives equity of opportunity for promising students, guiding them to thrive at the highest academic levels and one day make a mark on the world.
The school’s graduates have moved on to attend some of the nation’s top secondary schools and universities – including Carnegie Mellon, Cornell, Dartmouth, Howard, NYU, Princeton, Tufts, Wesleyan, and Yale.
To learn more about Harlem Academy, please visit www.harlemacademy.org
Photo credit: 1) Brave Enough Screen capture. 2) Brave Enough Video. 3) Brave Enough Screen capture.
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