If you haven’t read Michelle’s memoir yet, I hope you do—especially if the young readers’ edition might resonate with you or someone you know. Becoming isn’t just a title—it’s a process we all go through, and Miche’s story brings that to life with real honesty and beauty.
Michelle Obama: There is no feeling quite like holding a copy of your own book! And I'm so excited for you all to read the young readers' and paperback editions of Becoming. I'd love to see your photos and reflections! #IAmBecoming 💕
Like so many others, Michelle and I benefited from Vernon Jordan's wise counsel and warm friendship—and deeply admired his tireless fight for civil rights. We hope the memory of his extraordinary presence and the legacy of his work bring comfort to Ann, Vickee, and his family.
RT Bruce Springsteen
In Episode 3 of Renegades: Born in the USA, Bruce and @barackobama talk about identity, grace, and some of the songs that have made a difference throughout their lives... including some new performances by Bruce! Take a listen to it all on @Spotify:
http://brucespringsteen.lnk.to/RBITUSA
Music has always been an important part of my life, and I think it’s safe to say that the same is true for @Springsteen. In this episode, we talked about the songs that’ve made a difference for us—and Bruce even brought out the guitar. Listen on @Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/1CgZYkBrzM1y2TpypVMkUb?si=6c78c7e95b81450a
Today marks seven years since we launched My Brother’s Keeper to reduce barriers and expand opportunity for boys and young men of color. And it remains true that the only way our country lives up to its ideals is if our young people can reach their fullest potential.
I first picked up Toni Morrison’s novels when I was entering college, and her voice fundamentally changed my perspective on the world. This Black History Month, I reflected on the impact that her writing has had on my life.
http://yt.be/blackrenaissance
It was great to hear from this impressive group of young leaders. If there's one thing we can bank on, it’s that young folks like these are our best hope for a more sustainable and just world.
The Obama Foundation: “You’re now part of my activist family.”
At the conclusion of our six-month inaugural Leaders: Europe program, 35 #ObamaLeaders joined President @barackobama to talk about activism, inspiration, and building a sustainable future.
In each of us, there's a story to be shared—a story that’s sacred and can bring us together. I had such a good time talking with the @WellReadBlkGirl Book Club about A Promised Land because just as they learned about my story, I had a chance to learn from theirs.
Last year, I sat down with my good friend Bruce @Springsteen for a long and meaningful conversation that touched on so much of what we’re all dealing with these days. I’m excited to share it with you over the next few weeks:
http://spoti.fi/Renegades
I want to share this inspiring book about the events leading up to the 1960 election, from Dr. King's imprisonment to student activism in Atlanta to JFK's campaign. It's a story we can all learn from—a story of overlooked heroes and the power each of us has to create change.
I felt inspired and hopeful after speaking with students in @TheTellingRoom’s Young Writers & Leaders program. I wrote #APromisedLand in part because I hoped to reach young people like those in this group—the unique voices of a new generation, energized and unafraid to dream big.
NowThis: 'No matter what somebody’s accomplished—the greatest novelist, the greatest surgeons, the greatest political activists—they didn’t start that way' — @barackobama met with writing students to talk about their ambitions and share his own experience of growing up between cultures
Happy Valentine’s Day to the three who never fail to make me smile. Your dazzling light makes everything brighter.
I’m proud to announce that the Obama Presidential Center will officially break ground in 2021. Our hope is that the center will breathe new life into historic Jackson Park while delivering jobs, growth, and much more to the South Side.
Let’s get to work.
Black-owned independent bookstores play a critical role in communities all across our country. I wanted to show my support, so I dropped in to surprise the folks from @MahoganyBooks & the Very Smart Brothas Book Club. Take a look.
When Jackie Robinson faced down slurs, spiked cleats, and pitches aimed at his head—and stole home anyway—he didn't only change baseball. He changed the world and paved the way for others, including me. On his birthday, we’re called not only to honor that legacy but build on it.
In her extraordinary career, Cicely Tyson was one of the rare award-winning actors whose work on the screen was surpassed only by what she was able to accomplish off of it. She had a heart unlike any other—and for 96 years, she left a mark on the world that few will ever match.
.@EkpeUdoh—I saw your tweet about A Promised Land and thought I’d respond. For me, the title of my book is about the work we need to do to realize the promise of becoming a more perfect union, even if we don’t get there in our lifetimes. Glad to see your book club is reading it!
Ekpe Udoh: Why do y’all think that President Obama named his memoir A Promised Land? How do you define a promised land?
#Ekpesbookclub
Hank Aaron was one of the best baseball players we’ve ever seen and one of the strongest people I’ve ever met. Michelle and I send our thoughts and prayers to the Aaron family and everyone who was inspired by this unassuming man and his towering example.
Today was a good day.
And it was only possible because of you. Because you made calls. Because you marched. Because you wore your masks and voted like never before.
For four years, you defended our democracy with everything you had—and now, our country can enter a new day.
President Biden: The time to move forward is now.
On a day for the history books, @TheAmandaGorman delivered a poem that more than met the moment. Young people like her are proof that "there is always light, if only we're brave enough to see it; if only we're brave enough to be it."