American Poet Amanda Gorman at the 2021 Presidential Inauguration.
February is Black History Month. On social media we have been posting in recognition of the actions of several inspiring African Americans in this countrys history of disability advocacy. In January, however, a new young voice was heard.
Even if you didnt watch the presidential inauguration, I suspect you have heard about the breakout young poet, Amanda Gorman, who delivered the traditional inaugural poem. Many lines from the almost six-minute recitation entitled “The Hill We Climb” have been quoted.
The one I have seen most frequently is this:
“For there always is light,
If only were brave enough to see it
If only were brave enough to be it.”
When rereading her poem, a different line stood out for me. In referencing the desire to “form a union that is perfect,” she attempted to describe how we form that more perfect union that is referenced in the preamble to The Constitution. The line that stood out to me was:
“To compose a country committed to all cultures, colors, characters and conditions of man.”
In this line, she humanized the battle of the oppressed. She empowered those with the desire to make our country better for everyone. She encouraged us to “leave behind a country better than the one we were left with.” The vision and eloquence of this 22-year-old young woman reveal wisdom well beyond her years.
We were all encouraged to “lift our gazes not to what stands between us but what stands before us.”
That is what AWS Foundation strives to accomplish each day. We are tied together as a community. We know there are systemic inequities. Indiana continues to lag the national average in age to diagnosis for the child with a disability, and it is still more for the non-white Hoosier child. How can we help with the inequities in front of us? AWS Foundation desires to drive real change for individuals with enduring intellectual, developmental, and physical disabilities.
During February and the days that follow, I encourage you to look at what stands before you and make one life a little better. No act is too small. Now, more than ever is the time to reach out, albeit figuratively, and be a light to someone.