Michelle Obama is the realest. It’s one of the things we love most about her. Whether she’s standing in front of dignitaries or speaking to a room full of kindergartners, she seems to be authentic.
And last night, when the First Lady was speaking to a group of girls at Harlem’s Apollo Theater for the “Let Girls Learn” event, she brought that same honesty.
“Let Girls Learn” is an initiative to empower girls and women through education. The campaign keeps referencing the number 62 million. It’s the number of girls, around the world, who are not able to receive an education.
In speaking to the young ladies, she reminded them about the importance of focus. She advised the girls in attendance what our mothers and grandmothers have been saying to us for years: books before boys.
“There is no boy at this age that is cute enough or interesting enough to stop you from getting your education.”
Then she continued,
“If I had worried about who liked me or who thought I was cute when I was your age, I wouldn’t be married to the President of the United States today.”
Owwww!
And then she pretended to drop the mic.
As much as this was a message many young girls needed to hear, it was also one for the more seasoned ladies among us as well. You can appreciate a man and he can appreciate you so much more after you’ve cultivated, developed and improved yourself. Whether that development comes in the form of education, pursuit of goals or just becoming a better human being, relationships are so much better when each person is fulfilled and at least working toward self actualization.
Thank you for that prophetic word First Lady.
Later, she spoke about why this cause, education for girls, is so close to her heart.
“For me, this is personal. When I think about those 62 million girls that aren’t in school, I think about myself. I think about my daughters; because quite frankly, all these girls, these are our girls. And I think about where I would be in my life if I didn’t work hard in school and have the opportunity to go to college and then on to law school, I wouldn’t be here. So I think it’s imperative and it is a part of my passion and my mission to make sure that every girl on the planet has the same opportunity that I’ve had, that my daughters have. And I want to make sure that all of you, here in the United States, are taking advantage of all the opportunities that you have as well. I want you to be that hungry to get your education because it is going to be the key to your future.”
You’ve got to love her.
Honestly, watching clips like this one are bittersweet. I’m reminded that the Obamas are going to be leaving the White House soon. And I’ll just miss seeing those Black faces in positions of power.
Take a look at the clip below.
