Becoming by Michelle Obama at Erin’s March 2019

It was a great evening. Michelle is to me the epitome of grace, intelligence and fortitude. Truly a model for all women. Several years ago I watched a documentary-movie called Southside which tells the story of her early years until she meets Barack. Nice watch and available from the library. Bev

From Karen: This is the excerpt I was referring to last night when Michelle spoke of leaving the White House.  I found this in an interview with Oprah Winfrey:

“But one of the show’s most memorable moments happened while the former First Lady opened up about how she prepared to exit the White House in early 2017. Specifically, she told Oprah that she burst into tears after leaving Washington, D.C. following President Donald Trump’s Inauguration. “When I got on the plane, I sobbed for 30 minutes,” Mrs. Obama said, according to the Associated Press. “I think it was just the release of eight years trying to do everything perfectly.” “I said to Barack, ‘That was so hard, what we just did. That was so hard.’”

From Laura, re above passage: Some written passages are so powerful. This one calls up perfectly the pressure cooker they must have existed in, and in one moment helps us to be in her shoes – the absolute care taken over 8 years to ensure they left an indelible impression on all of America, that black culture is still rooted in the values of honesty, dignity, integrity, and respect for family, ancestors, and community leaders – so missing in the current zeitgeist. It must have been hard!

Thanks Erin, it was a lovely evening, lovely dinner and great discussion!!

Let’s be very clear: Strong men – men who are truly role models – don’t need to put down women to make themselves feel powerful. People who are truly strong lift others up. People who are truly powerful bring others together. Michelle Obama

You may not always have a comfortable life and you will not always be able to solve all of the world’s problems at once but don’t ever underestimate the importance you can have because history has shown us that courage can be contagious and hope can take on a life of its own. Michelle Obama

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