Black Women Who Slayed History: Michelle Obama
This Black History Month, we’re highlighting the black woman who helped make our world what it is today. Today, we honor former First Lady, Michelle Obama.
Michelle Obama is the 44th first lady of the United States of America. Born and raised on the south side of Chicago, Illinois, Michelle grew up with her older brother, mother and father. She was always encouraged to do well in school and always had an interest in her education. She skipped grades at an early age and graduated high school at the top of her class.
She followed her brother to Princeton University where she graduated cum laude in 1985, Michelle then went on to earn her graduate degree from Harvard Law School in 1988. Following her graduation from Harvard she started working as an associate for the firm Sidney Austin in Chicago. There she met Barack Obama in 1989.
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She first declined Barack when he asked her out for fear of their work relationship being jeopardized but later agreed and from there the two of them ended up falling for each other.
Michelle and Barack got married in October of 1992 and had Malia and Sascha in 1998 and 2001. After marrying Barack she decided to forego a career in corporate law and instead decided to pursue a career in public service working for the city of Chicago.
After working for the City of Chicago, she worked as executive director for the Chicago office of Public Allies, a nonprofit organization, an associate dean of student services and an executive director of community relations and external affairs for the University of Chicago before joining her husband on the campaign trail.
Michelle showed her eloquent speaking abilities on the national stage while working hard to help her husband campaign for the presidency in 2008 and in 2012. Throughout her time campaigning she delivered many noteworthy and powerful speeches while still making sure to fulfill her role as a wife and a mother.
In addition to being known for her intelligence and position as the first lady she has been praised for her fashion sense, creativity and willingness to give back and help those who need it most.
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During her time as first lady she graced the cover of Vogue Magazine twice was featured on the Vanity Fair and People Magazine best dressed lists and made Essence Magazine’s list of “25 of the World’s Most Inspiring Women.” She also helped to publicize several designers like Naeem Khan, Jason Wu, Thakoon and more and notably paired several affordable looks with high end pieces.
Michelle used her platform as the First Lady of the United States to bring attention to many noteworthy causes like helping women gain equality and respect in the workforce, providing support to military families, putting emphasis on a healthy diet and lifestyle and so much more. Michelle Obama is effortlessly cool and down to earth. She is a First Lady like no other and left office last month gracefully holding her stellar reputation. She has used her platform to break down barriers for black women and women in general and is unafraid to speak up for others on causes she deems important.
Black History Month wouldn’t be the celebration it is without women like Michelle Obama.
