Showing posts with label Michelle Obama. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Michelle Obama. Show all posts

Wednesday, April 29, 2020

Michelle Obama 'Becoming' documentary coming to Netflix on May 6, 2020

Becoming is an intimate look into the life of former First Lady Michelle Obama during a moment of profound change, not only for her personally but for the country she and her husband served over eight impactful years in the White House. The film offers a rare and up-close look at her life, taking viewers behind the scenes as she embarks on a 34-city tour that highlights the power of community to bridge our divides and the spirit of connection that comes when we openly and honestly share our stories.

“Those months I spent traveling — meeting and connecting with people in cities across the globe — drove home the idea that what we share in common is deep and real and can’t be messed with,” Obama wrote on Instagram. “I treasure the memories and that sense of connection now more than ever, as we struggle together to weather this pandemic, as we care for our loved ones, tend to our communities, and try to keep up with work and school while coping with huge amounts of loss, confusion, and uncertainty.”

The film is directed by Nadia Hallgren, and is the third joint project between Netflix and Higher Ground Productions, the Obamas’ production company.

Becoming begins streaming on Netflix on May 6.

WATCH THE TRAILER

Sunday, April 19, 2020

Michelle Obama to lead weekly online story time series for kids during Covid-19 pandemic

Former first lady Michele Obama will be hosting a live-streamed story time session every week for children over the next month as schools across the country remain closed during the coronavirus pandemic.

Penguin Young Readers, Random House Children’s Books and PBS KIDS announced on Friday that the former first lady will be reading some of her favorite children's books for the next four weeks, starting this coming Monday, as part of a collaborative effort with the organizations.

The four-week series, dubbed “Mondays with Michelle Obama” will feature Obama reading one book during a story session that will be streamed live at noon (ET) from the PBS KIDS’ Facebook page and YouTube channel as well as Penguin Random House’s Facebook page.

“As a little kid, I loved to read aloud,” she said in a statement on Friday. “And when I became a parent, I found such joy in sharing the magic of storytelling with my own children—and then later, as First Lady, with kids everywhere.”

“At this time when so many families are under so much stress, I’m excited to give kids a chance to practice their reading and hear some wonderful stories (and to give parents and caretakers a much-need,” she added.

[SOURCE: THE HILL]

Wednesday, April 08, 2020

Michelle Obama criticizes Wisconsin for hold primary during Covid-19 pandemic

Former First Lady Michelle Obama took to Twitter to criticize the state of Wisconsin for going ahead with its primary during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Obama tweeted:

Today, Wisconsin voters had to choose between making their voice heard and keeping themselves and their family safe. No American should ever have to make that choice.

We must do better to ensure voting is safe for all voters.

Sunday, February 16, 2020

California school renamed Michelle Obama Elementary

The Woodrow Wilson Elementary School in Northern California will close for extensive renovations and open next year as Michelle Obama Elementary.

“We have the opportunity to have a beautiful new school named after a person who really represents our diversity and values," Claudia Velez, the school's principal, told CNN on Thursday.

The proposal was approved in a unanimous vote by the West Contra Costa Unified School District Board.

Officials at the California elementary school to be named after Obama said the first African American first lady has been a role model for students.

"Our school is diverse, modern and innovative, and the things that the kids will be doing will prepare them for a very strong and successful future in whatever career they choose," Velez said.

This isn’t the first school to be named after the former first lady. There’s already a Michelle Obama Elementary School in Panorama City, Calif., as well as a Michelle Obama School of Technology and the Arts in Park Forest, Ill.

[SOURCE: CHANGING AMERICA]

Monday, January 27, 2020

Michelle Obama Wins Best Spoken Word Album

Michelle Obama has won Best Spoken Word Album for her audiobook Becoming.

Obama surprised the world when she made an appearance last year during the 61st Annual GRAMMY Awards. This year, she has earned her own GRAMMY nod for her audiobook, Becoming, which shares her journey from a little girl from the South Side of Chicago to lawyer and the First Lady of the United States.

Obama beat out fellow nominees Michael Diamond, Adam Horovitz, Scott Sherratt and Dan Zitt (Beastie Boys Book), Eric Alexandrakis (I.V. Catatonia: 20 Years As A Two-Time Cancer Survivor), John Waters (Mr. Know-It-All) and Sekou Andrews & The String Theory (Sekou Andrews & The String Theory).

[SOURCE: Grammy.com]

Saturday, January 11, 2020

New book by Michelle Obama: Michelle Obama: Quotes to Live By

Michelle Obama: Quotes to Live By, a life-affirming collection of more than 170 quotes from one of the world’s most admired and respected public figures: Michelle Obama.

“People who are truly strong lift others up. People who are truly powerful bring others together.” —Michelle Obama, campaign rally, October 2016

As First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama used her platform to express her strongly held beliefs—and earned admiration for her intelligence, generosity, strength, bravery, confidence, and hard work. This collection of quotations, which covers topics ranging from education and equality to self-belief and success, helps cement her place as one of the strongest voices on the global stage today.

The quotations include:

“Every single child has boundless promise, no matter who they are, where they come from, or how much money their parents have. We’ve got to remember that.” —National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Awards, November 2016

“It is so important to remember that our diversity has been—and will continue to be—our greatest source of strength and pride.” —Annual Nowruz celebration, April 2016

“We shouldn’t be sending messages to girls that there are things they can’t do—because there’s nothing that a girl can’t do.” —The Guardian, interview, November 2018

“It is not about voting for the perfect candidate—there is no such person.” —Campaign rally, September 2016

“Success isn’t about how much money you make, it’s about the difference you make in people’s lives.” —Democratic National Convention, September 2012

“When you are struggling and you start thinking about giving up, I want you to remember something . . . and that is the power of hope. The belief that something better is always possible if you’re willing to work for it and fight for it.” —Final speech as First Lady of the United States, January 2017

BUY THE BOOK

Saturday, January 04, 2020

Michelle Obama named the "most admired woman" for second year in a row

Former first lady Michelle Obama has been named the "most admired woman" in the world for the second year in a row.

Obama, 55, bested current first lady Melania Trump in the 2019 results of an annual poll released Tuesday by Gallup.

Obama was the only woman to rank in double digits, with 10%, according to Gallup. After Obama and Trump (who garnered 5% of votes), former talk show host Oprah Winfrey and teen climate change activist Greta Thunberg tied for fourth place with 3% each on the most admired women list.

Historically, it has been more common for a former first lady to be named the most admired woman than for a former president to be named most admired man. Michelle Obama is the sixth former first lady to win, along with Eleanor Roosevelt (1948-1950 and 1952-1961), Jacqueline Kennedy (1963-1966), Mamie Eisenhower (1969-1970), Betty Ford (1978) and Hillary Clinton (2002-2017).

Saturday, September 21, 2019

NEW BOOK: Hope, Never Fear: A Personal Portrait of the Obamas



An affecting, profoundly personal insight into an extraordinary couple who energized and empowered millions of people around the world.

An intimate collection of photographs that follow Barack and Michelle Obama on their incredible presidential journey: Award-winning photographer Callie Shell presents a firsthand collection of portraits of Barack and Michelle Obama depicting the guiding principles that defined their time in the White House. While documenting the journey from the Obama's family home in Chicago to the most powerful house in the United States, Shell and the Obamas became fast friends, swapping stories about their families and sharing tips about coping with life on the road.

• Features over 100 compelling photographs from behind the scenes, including many previously unpublished, that give viewers a glimpse into the happiness, the stress, the triumphs, the pressures, and everything in between
• Each photograph is paired with insightful quotes from Michelle and Barack that reveal their warmth, compassion, and unending commitment to service
• Includes an in-depth introduction by Shell along with notes drawn from the diaries she kept during her time with the Obamas to give Hope, Never Fear a genuine feel that is captivating and authentic

Hope, Never Fear makes an empowering gift for any photography, presidential, or history fan.

BUY THE BOOK



Callie Shell is a World Press Photo Award-winning photographer whose work has appeared in magazines, books, galleries, and museums throughout the world. She has covered five presidential campaigns, served for eight years as the official photographer for Vice President Al Gore during the Clinton administration, and spent over 10 years capturing images leading up to and during Barack Obama's presidency.

Friday, August 02, 2019

Michelle Obama: Zero chance I run for president

Former first lady Michelle Obama is pouring cold water on calls for her to run for president, saying she believes there are other ways for her to help the country.

She has repeatedly made it clear she has no interest in running for the White House, however, despite repeated calls or suggestions for her to do so.

“Just between us, and the readers of this magazine — there’s zero chance,” Obama said in an interview with The National, Amtrak’s travel and culture magazine, that was published Friday.

“There are so many ways to improve this country and build a better world, and I keep doing plenty of them, from working with young people to helping families lead healthier lives. But sitting behind the desk in the Oval Office will never be one of them. It’s just not for me.”

[SOURCE: THE HILL]

Saturday, July 20, 2019

Michelle Obama: What truly makes our country great is its diversity.

Former First Lady Michelle Obama took to Twitter to give what seems to be a statement about Trump's racist attack on four congresswomen of color, in which she states that 'What truly makes our country great is its diversity.' Read her statement below:

Sunday, July 07, 2019

Barack & Michelle Obama Congratulates US Woman's Team on World Cup victory

Former President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle Obama took to Twitter to congratulate the United States Women's National Team on their World Cup Victory over the Netherlands:

Wednesday, March 27, 2019

Michelle Obama's "Becoming" has sold nearly 10 million copies



Former first lady Michelle Obama's best-selling memoir, "Becoming," has sold nearly 10 million copies, the parent company of publisher Penguin Random House announced Tuesday.

The candid memoir, released in November, quickly became a best-seller and is one of the most popular books of the decade.

"We believe this could be the most successful memoir in history," said Thomas Rabe, the chief executive of Bertelsmann, a parent company of Penguin Random House.

The book had the longest streak at No. 1 for any book since "Fifty Shades of Grey" came out in 2012, according to Amazon.

[SOURCE: CNN]



Thursday, December 27, 2018

Barack and Michelle Obama top 2018 'Most Admired' lists


Although they may not be in the White House anymore Barack Obama and Michelle Obama both top Gallup's annual most admired man and woman survey in the United States.

For the first time in 17 years, a woman other than Hillary Clinton has been named by Americans as the woman they admire most. Former first lady Michelle Obama, who finished second to Clinton three times and is currently touring to promote her recently released autobiography, won by a significant margin this year. Oprah Winfrey was second, with Clinton and Melania Trump next.

Most Admired Woman

Michelle Obama

Oprah Winfrey

Hillary Clinton

Melania Trump

Queen Elizabeth

Angela Merkel

Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Ellen DeGeneres

Nikki Haley

Malala Yousafzai

Nancy Pelosi

Meanwhile, former President Barack Obama was the winner among men for the 11th consecutive year, including one year as president-elect, eight as president and two as former president. President Donald Trump ranks second for the fourth year in a row.

Most Admired Man

Barack Obama is now just one first-place finish short of tying Dwight Eisenhower for the most times being Most Admired Man. Eisenhower won the distinction 12 times -- the eight years he was president from 1953 through 1960, as well as in 1950, 1952, 1967 and 1968.

Barack Obama

Donald Trump

George W. Bush

Pope Francis

Bill Gates

Bernie Sanders

Bill Clinton

Dalai Lama

Joe Biden

Elon Musk

Mike Pence

[SOURCE: GALLUP NEWS]



Wednesday, December 12, 2018

Michelle Obama's surprises Detroit students at Motown Museum

Michelle Obama surprised a group of Detroit college students on Tuesday afternoon, walking into the Motown Museum as the young men of color took part in a roundtable discussion on education.

The former first lady was greeted with smiles, looks of astonishment and applause after entering the second floor of the building where Berry Gordy created sonic history more than a half-century ago. She hugged her brother Craig Robinson and Keegan-Michael Key, an actor and native Detroiter who moderated the discussion that was organized by Obama’s Reach Higher initiative.

“This was supposed to be for boys only,” Robinson said after they sat down, eliciting laughter from his sister and the more than a dozen students from nearby Wayne State University.

“What’s going on,” Obama then asked, echoing the title of Marvin Gaye’s classic Motown tune.

“We’re just talking about education,” Key answered, before mock-asking if it would be OK with them if Obama sat in on their chat.

Obama listened as the students spoke about their experiences in life and school and encouraged them to practice “discomfort” and not be afraid to try new things.

Read more: Michelle Obama's surprises Detroit students at t Motown Museum

Saturday, December 01, 2018

Michelle Obama's "Becoming" is best selling book of 2018

Michelle Obama's memoir "Becoming" has become the best selling book of the year in the United States, surpassing Michael Wolff's "Fire and Fury" and others.

Wolff's "Fire" was a publishing world sensation when it came out in January. To date it has sold 1,008,088 hardcover copies, according to NDP BookScan data.

All year long, it was the year's No. 1 political book. Its closest competitor was "Fear," by Bob Woodward, which came out in September and has sold 872,567 hardcover copies to date.

But "Becoming" outpaced them both in just a couple of weeks. BookScan shows 1,122,618 hardcover copies of Obama's uplifting memoir have sold since its November 13 release date.

That makes it No. 1 for the year. The year's No. 2 book in terms of hardcover sales is "Magnolia Table," a cookbook by TV star Joanna Gaines. "Fire and Fury" now ranks No. 3, followed by Rachel Hollis' self help book "Girl, Wash Your Face" at No. 4 and "Fear" at No. 5.

Obama's publisher, Penguin Random House, said Friday that "Becoming" "sold more than 2 million units in all formats and editions in the U.S. and Canada during the first 15 days of its publication."

The hardcover edition of "Becoming" is now up to six printings, meaning the publisher has had to order more and more copies to keep up with demand. By the end of the sixth printing, there will be 3.4 million copies in print in the U.S. and Canada, well-timed for the holiday book-buying season.

[SOURCE: CNN]

Barack and Michelle Obama statement on passing of George H. W. Bush

Former President Obama and his wife Michelle have issued a statement on the passing of George H.W. Bush who died at the age of 94 on Friday.

Friday, November 09, 2018

Michelle Obama: 'I'd never forgive' Trump for 'birther' conspiracy

Former first lady Michelle Obama reportedly rips President Trump's spreading of the "birther" conspiracy theory against her husband in her upcoming book.

In excerpts from her memoir “Becoming" obtained by The Washington Post, Obama says she will "never forgive" Trump for the "xenophobic" claims that her husband, former President Obama, was not actually born in America.

"The whole thing was crazy and mean-spirited, of course, its underlying bigotry and xenophobia hardly concealed," the former first lady writes. "But it was also dangerous, deliberately meant to stir up the wingnuts and kooks."

“What if someone with an unstable mind loaded a gun and drove to Washington? What if that person went looking for our girls? Donald Trump, with his loud and reckless innuendos, was putting my family’s safety at risk. And for this I’d never forgive him," she continues.

The book is set to be released Tuesday.

[SOURCE: THE HILL]

Saturday, November 03, 2018

Michelle Obama calls on NAACP members to not only vote but to increase black voter turnout

In a video released on Saturday, the former first lady teamed up with the NAACP, the country's largest civil rights organization, in efforts to increase African-American voter turnout in the Nov. 6 midterm elections. Check out the video below.

Monday, October 29, 2018

Michelle Obama And Live Nation Announce Community Ticket Giveaways For Upcoming Book Tour

Michelle Obama and Live Nation have announced a selection of the local and community organizations who will receive free admission to the former First Lady’s highly anticipated upcoming book tour, Becoming: An Intimate Conversation With Michelle Obama. Mrs. Obama’s tour kicks off on November 13th in Chicago.

As previously announced, 10 percent of ticket inventory in each market was set aside for various local organizations including, but not limited to, local charities, schools, and community groups in each city the tour visits.

It is important to Mrs. Obama that her BECOMING tour events are accessible to as many people as possible. That’s why — in partnership with Live Nation — Mrs. Obama is giving away thousands of complimentary tickets to people around the country, particularly to young people growing up in communities like she did.

When asked about why these community tickets are so important to Mrs. Obama, she said

“It was important to me that all sorts of people could come to the tour events, not just those with means or who happened to be by a computer when the tickets went on sale. That’s why we are giving away thousands of tickets to people around the country, particularly to young people striving to be their best. I want them to see themselves in my story—to see the value in the fullness of their lives and to imagine who they might become in the years ahead.”

Several national and local organizations were selected to participate including the Mercy Education Project in Detroit who’s mission is to provide educational opportunities, life skills development and cultural enrichment for women and girls who have limited access to resources to enable them to improve the quality of their lives.

[SOURCE: michronicleonline]

Wednesday, October 10, 2018

Eric Holder: ‘When They Go Low, We Kick ‘Em’

While speaking at an event for Georgia state House candidate Regina Lewis-Ward, former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder spoke about his love and respect for former First Lady Michelle Obama. But after that he suggested that Democrats are playing too nice and being soft going into the upcoming mid-terms and flipped Michelle Obama's famous "When they go low, we go high" slogan around and said that "When they go low, we kick em".

Watch that video below: