Michelle Obama

Michelle LaVaughn Robinson Obama (born January 17, 1964) is an American attorney, author, and former First Lady of the United States who served from 2009 to 2017. Married to the 44th President of the United States, Barack Obama, she was the first African-American First Lady. Michelle Obama was born in Chicago, Illinois, and is a graduate of Princeton University and Harvard Law School. Throughout her career, she has been a strong advocate for poverty awareness, education, nutrition, physical activity, and healthy eating.

Early Life and Education

Michelle Obama was born on January 17, 1964, in Chicago, Illinois, to Fraser Robinson III, a city water plant employee and Democratic precinct captain, and Marian Shields Robinson, a secretary at Spiegel's catalog store. She grew up in a small bungalow on Chicago's South Side. She attended Whitney M. Young Magnet High School, Chicago's first magnet high school, where she was a classmate of Jesse Jackson's daughter Santita. She was inspired by her brother, Craig Robinson, to pursue her education, eventually enrolling at Princeton University, where she graduated cum laude in 1985 with a B.A. in Sociology and a minor in African American Studies. She then attended Harvard Law School, where she earned her J.D. in 1988.

Career

Before her time in the White House, Michelle Obama built a successful career. She worked at the law firm Sidley Austin, where she met Barack Obama. Later, she held positions at the University of Chicago as the Associate Dean of Student Services and Vice President for Community and External Affairs at the University of Chicago Medical Center. Michelle Obama has also served on the boards of directors for the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools, and the Robin Hood Foundation.

First Lady of the United States

As First Lady, Michelle Obama launched several initiatives focused on health, education, and military families. Her most notable campaigns include "Let's Move!", aimed at reducing childhood obesity and promoting a healthy lifestyle through physical activity and better nutrition. She also launched the "Joining Forces" initiative to support veterans, service members, and their families, and the "Reach Higher" initiative to encourage young people to pursue higher education.

Post-White House

After leaving the White House, Michelle Obama has remained active in public life. She published her memoir, "Becoming," in 2018, which became a bestseller and was adapted into a Netflix documentary. She also launched the "When We All Vote" initiative to increase voter participation in elections and the "Global Girls Alliance" to support girls' education around the world.

Personal Life

Michelle Obama married Barack Obama in 1992. They have two daughters, Malia and Sasha. The Obamas have been known for their close-knit family and their commitment to public service.

Legacy

Michelle Obama's legacy as First Lady is marked by her commitment to health, education, and service. She has been recognized for her style, grace, and for breaking new ground as the first African-American First Lady. Her initiatives have had a lasting impact on the health and well-being of children and families in the United States and beyond.