It’s Black History Month and, as always, we should take the time to remember to stay aware of racism and racist policies that are still so evident in today’s society.
Let us be clear; just because we’ve marked wonderful strides in the search for diversity and eradication of racism, doesn’t mean our work here is done (in fact, it is far from it). However, touching base and remembering the triumphs are often good practices to remind us why we’re fighting the good fight.
Wonderful black women have paved the path for future generations of black kids and we don’t need to look too far back into the past to find them. Michelle Obama was (and still is) an outstanding role model and inspiration to many during her time as First Lady of the United States. She helped us achieve progress in a number of key issues, leaving us all feeling like we could be outstanding citizens.
1. Let’s Move!
In 2010, Michelle implemented her Let’s Move! initiative, where she took on childhood obesity and access to healthy food. She worked with a local elementary school to plant the notorious 1,100 sq foot garden in the South Lawn of the White House and encouraged schools to promote physical activity and healthy eating.
2. Encouraging Education
Michelle understood the importance of sharing her story with the world, through interviews and social media. As the only first lady in the white house to hold two Ivy League degrees, she often spoke about the key role education played and how it influenced her life. The scholar also focused on the importance of education through the Reach Higher Initiative, inciting that children should stay in school and pursue a higher education.
3. Helping Veterans
Mrs. Obama joined forces with Dr. Jill Biden to launch another initiative called Joining Forces, where they focused primarily on making Americans aware of their fellow service members, veterans, and their families, and also to support them through education, wellness, and employment.
4. Calling People Out
Michelle did not hold back when it came to defending what she believed in. Through her Let Girls Learn campaign, she traveled around the world giving speeches and addressing the pressing matter that is the lack of resources for young women, and little access to education. “We cannot address our girls’ education crisis until we address the cultural norms and practices that devalue women’s intelligence, that silence their voices, that limit their ambitions,” she said at an international education conference held in Doha, the capital of the Arab Gulf nation.
5. Candor on Social Media
(Michelle Obama on Snapchat)
We also cannot forget Michelle Obama’s grace and candor through her social media. We all remember the clips on Disney Channel, where Mrs. Obama would appear with a message on health and/or veteran families. It was through her understanding of the platforms that the younger generation developed and socialized in, that she achieved such a great level of influence. She had no shame in sharing and expressing new ideas and being goofy every once in a while.
It is if utmost importance to note that while the position of Michelle Obama was primarily perceived as that of a supporting role to her husband, she made a point of taking the position and make it her own. As many strong and courageous women, she became an ambassador for women and people of color alike, striving to break boundaries and aspire the younger generation to follow their dreams and turn them into reality.