In a recent social media post, Amanda Johnson, who gained prominence for her impactful poetry during a presidential inauguration, revealed that she was racially profiled by a security guard on her way home. Johnson reported that the guard followed her and deemed her “suspicious,” questioning whether she lived in her own apartment. “A security guard trailed me on my walk home tonight,” she stated on Instagram and Twitter. “He asked if I lived there because ‘you look suspicious.’ I showed him my keys and buzzed myself into my building. He left without an apology. This is the reality for black women: one moment you are celebrated, the next, treated as a threat.”
Amanda Johnson made history as the youngest inaugural poet in U.S. history and was named the nation’s first youth poet laureate in 2017 while attending Harvard University. Her poem “The Hill We Climb,” which addressed the nation’s racial and political challenges, resonated with millions during the inauguration ceremony, which took place shortly after a violent insurrection at the Capitol.
Since her inauguration performance, Johnson has signed with IMG Models, which represents high-profile models like Gigi Hadid and Kate Moss. She also made history by performing at the Super Bowl, where she honored community heroes during the pandemic. Her two books have topped Amazon’s bestseller list, and she has appeared on various platforms, including a segment with Ellen, to discuss her work. In an interview with CNN’s Anderson Cooper, she mentioned that the works of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln inspired her poem, reinforcing her commitment to messages of hope and unity.
Reflecting on her experience with the security guard, Johnson remarked, “In a sense, he was right. I AM A THREAT: a threat to injustice, to inequality, to ignorance. Anyone who speaks the truth and walks with hope poses a significant danger to those in power.” Fellow journalist Yamiche Alcindor commented on Twitter about Johnson’s experience, highlighting that many individuals in the black community share similar encounters and expressing relief that she made it home safely, unlike so many others.
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In summary, Amanda Johnson’s recent experience of racial profiling has highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by black women in America. Her journey from celebrated poet to the target of suspicion serves as a poignant reminder of the disparities in how individuals are perceived based on their race. Through her work, Johnson continues to advocate for justice and equality, inspiring many along the way.