Michelle Obama Education Activist Essay

Sina Endale

Melissa Morgan

English 9 HN

31 January 2023

The Education Activist: Michelle Obama

During her speech at the White House celebrating Black History Month, Michelle Obama said, “Education is the single-most important civil rights issue that we face today” (obamawhitehouse.archives.gov). Michelle Obama is the former first lady of the United States and is the wife of Barack Obama, the former president. As a child, she had a modest background and lived in Chicago, Illinois. Due to her education and resilience, she rose to become one of the most influential figures in the United States. She used her influence to impact many societal issues, one of the most critical being education. Michelle Obama positively impacted education because she

For example, the former first lady “frequently visited schools or invited students to the White House to promote healthy lifestyles and discuss education and worked alongside students to establish the new vegetable garden”(Contemporary Black Biography). By frequently visiting schools and discussing education with students, she is showing the students that she cares about their goals and education. Discussing her experience in school with the students is beneficial because it teaches them different ways to achieve their goals. It also inspires them to pursue their passion as Michelle pursued hers. She also created The Reach Higher Initiative “to inspire every student in the U.S. to take charge of their future by completing their education past high school, whether at a professional training program, a community college, or a four-year college or university”(Reach Higher). Students are more motivated to accomplish their goals when they have a step by step plan to achieve them. This initiative provides students with plans and opportunities to further their education. Hence, it inspires students to follow their dreams. Overall, Michelle Obama had a large impact on students to continue their

As one of the few Black women in government, “Obama stressed the importance of having Black and female role models in the White House”(Contemporary Black biography). Black and female role models are important because they inspire others to fight for what they believe. Michelle Obama is a representation of young women of color, which is why they look up to her. As a role model, she is influencing them to follow their dreams despite the backlash that may follow. Michelle Obama increases black female representation in government by inspiring young women of color to become leaders like she did. The former first lady also specifically focuses on African American and Hispanic communities in her goal to provide the students of America with all the healthy food and resources they need to fulfill their potential (Let’s Move). Michelle Obama inspires black and ethnic communities by including them in her mission. She cares for these communities and is proving it by helping them firsthand. This initiative aids young students in these communities to thrive in their education by supporting their health. Students can focus and be more successful in school if their bodies are healthy and well-nourished. Michelle encourages black and female students to achieve their dreams by being a role model and caring for the health of black and ethnic