Finding the Light ☀

January 21, 2021

Dear Friends,

Yesterday's theme of unity and hope left us feeling inspired, energized and ready to influence big change in our world. The reverberating words of Amanda Gorman, the youngest inauguration poet in U.S. history and the 2017 National Youth Poet Laureate, echo in our minds and hearts as we reflect on the past year, and envision a just future. In Amanda's piece, 'The Hill We Climb,' she instills a sense of optimism, but not without acknowledging the realities of this country and its history.

Amanda's words mark this historic moment, and remind us of the sheer power of the youth we so proudly serve at Girl Be Heard. Fearless poets, compelling writers, audacious artists. We have had the privilege of watching their evolution and their brilliance as they speak truths and move audiences - just like Amanda Gorman at yesterday's inauguration ceremony.

We cannot wait to witness young women continue to rise up, shatter glass ceilings, and unapologetically use their voice - and ultimately write herstory.

"The new dawn blooms as we free it
For there is always light,
if only we're brave enough to see it
If only we're brave enough to be it."

Forwards Ever,
Team Girl Be Heard

We wanted to share this 2019 Girl Be Heard Unplugged performance from 16-year-old Sunday Workshop Manhattan participant and active performer Meera Dasgupta. She is the 2020 National Youth Poet Laureate - the first Asian-American, the first from New York, and the youngest to be appointed in the country.