By Elliott West
“Success isn’t about how much money you make; it’s about the difference you make in people’s lives.”
Michelle Obama
Introduction
She can inspire so many. A black woman who has achieved so much in life and continues to help so many achieve their dreams. Someone who lights up a room with her presence and has sat at the heart of the US legal system and government. She is, of course, Michelle Obama, the wife of the former president Barack.The first African American First Lady who dedicated her life to supporting military families and ending child obesity. An advocate for poverty awareness, education, nutrition, physical activity and healthy eating. A lady whom the American media loves to interview and who has continuously been polled as the most admired woman in America. A lawyer and a writer, Michelle is like a flower that never fails to bloom.
This hugely inspiring woman describes herself as foremost a mother to Malia and Sasha. Someone very keen to separate her public life from her private one. The concept of family is hugely important to her and the values that come with being a parent were pivotal to her own family upbringing. Michelle fought adversity and succeeded in life but she knows how many black Americans haven’t been so fortunate. Living life on a shoestring, hand to mouth and trying to keep their heads above water. An eternal grind where many drown in debt and become reliant on the welfare cheque that barely feeds them day-to-day. A political system with many deaf ears and one where presentation outweighs conviction.
The Road to Success
Born in 1964 in Chicago, Illinois, Michelle LaVaughn Robinson was brought up in a brick bungalow on the south side of the city. Her father Fraser was a pump operator for the Chicago Water Department. A father who lived with multiple sclerosis from a young age but was determined to never miss a day’s work. Her mother Marian, a stay-at-home mother, successfully juggled motherhood with the day-to-day running of the household. A bungalow that was filled with love, laughter and plenty of life lessons.
Determined to give their daughter the best start in life, Michelle attended public school, Princetown University and Havard Law School. An education that prepared her for the US legal profession. Employed by the law firm, Sidley & Austin in 1988, her eyes met across a crowded room with a distinguished man. Cupid’s arrow was fired and Michelle was instantly smitten. Barack would become her rock, soulmate and husband in 1992. A partner who fired her ambition through love and devotion. Yet her true calling would come a few years later when she pursued her love of the community. She served as an assistant commissioner of planning and development at Chicago City’s Hall and went on to become the founding executive director of the Chicago chapter of Public Allies, an AmeriCorps program that prepares youth for public service. In 1996, Michelle joined the University of Chicago as an Associate Dean of Student Services. A lady on a mission to bring the campus and community together. She developed the university’s first community service programme and as Vice President of Community and External Affairs for the University of Chicago Medical Centre, the volunteer rate skyrocketed.
The First Lady
If anyone thought Michelle was going to walk in her husband’s shadow when he was elected as the 44th President in 2009, they were far removed from the truth. This was the power base that she needed to really make a difference. Powerful campaigns ensued with Let’s Move, Joining Forces, Reach Higher and Let Girls Learn being her key efforts. US and global campaigns that really took the bull by the horns and strived to achieve where so many had failed. Some said she shouldn’t be involved in politics but why not? This woman has the burning desire that is often lacking in politics. Supporting economic stimulus, the 2009 Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act. This was a First Lady who was often reduced to tears by those that she met. Raw and horrific life experiences that she just wanted to help in any way she possibly could.
Yet some accused her of being a feminist nightmare, not concentrating on women’s issues, prioritising the trendiness of gardening and healthy eating over everything else. A lady who campaigned to bring back the kidnapped women and girls from Nigeria in 2014. Perhaps her key mistake was not running for President after the end of her husband’s second term in office. Instead she endorsed and campaigned for Hillary Clinton. Who knows what would happened if she had stood but I bet that the Donald Trump era certainly wouldn’t have happened.
Global and Chic
This lady of fashion who often wears the designers of the moment, has since toured the world, visiting countries such as Africa, China, Cuba, Saudi Arabia, and the United Kingdom. A lady who despite her stature, seems approachable and natural. A champion of LGBT rights, she has been compared to Jacqueline Kennedy and Barbara Bush and whose photographic naturalness has led her to be a subject of Vogue magazine. A presenter at the Oscars and Time magazines Person of the Year and was inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame in 2021. A podcaster, writer and a regular on television comedies and chat shows, Michelle Obama continues to amaze and shine at the age of 60.
