When I think of inclusiveness, representation, and crushing taboos, an independent, strong and powerful woman named Michelle Obama comes to mind. It’s almost like yesterday I was in kindergarten, walking down the hall to the library with my classmates. We were all crammed together in the middle of the school day alongside the rest of the school to witness the Presidential Elections of 2008. Former President Barack Obama had won the ballot and stood at the podium, where alongside him stood his wife, Michelle LaVaughn Robinson Obama, the nation’s new First Lady.
Progressing through elementary school, I have been impacted in numerous aspects by Mrs. Obama’s initiatives towards the public education system. One being the Let’s Move initiative, which targeted the ongoing obesity crisis in America among adolescents.
Looking back, vivid memories of participating in all-day outdoor events hosted by my school where the sun shone bright and between jump-rope and monkey bar stations, grabbing orange slices and drinking what felt like gallons of water in between were the ultimate energy revitalizers.
A few years later came the Healthy, Hunger-Free Act where our school lunches took a complete turn. In came healthier, nutritious lunches that likewise supported the desire of POTUS and FLOTUS to support lifestyles that include the availability of healthy food, even if your family is classified as low-income and may not be able to afford the school lunch costs.
Having been a frequent school lunch eater while in public school, it was amazing to see these changes implemented within my school district towards middle school and high school.
These are the impacts I have seen visible throughout my lifetime. However, Michelle Obama has been influential for the nation through numerous methods. As the first African American woman to serve as the first lady, she has altogether inspired women in this country to pursue their dreams without possessing ulterior drawbacks, but rather to move forward with the passion and aspiration of their hearts and dreams.
She is the author of her own memoir, “Becoming”, and several other books that are critically acclaimed, winning Grammys and Emmys to their names.
I honor Michelle Obama during Black History Month because she is a role model to many young men and women in her efforts to support causes of physical health, advocate for the right to education, and support those in need across the world.
Her footprint while serving during the 2009-2017 presidency and further after stepping down from the role has left an impression that will last lifetimes.
In Black History Month, let’s celebrate Michelle Obama’s lasting impact. Can her resilience and commitment inspire generations? Let us know at @HerCampusSJSU!