@Three Guinness World Records and now the national spelling bee champ! Congrats, Zaila—your hard work is paying off. We’re all proud of you.
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/07/09/us/zaila-avant-garde-spelling-bee-winner.html
Michelle and I sat down with some terrific young people from @KidsPress to talk about We The People, our latest @Netflix series through Higher Ground. We're hoping these songs teach the next generation about how our government works and what it means to be an active citizen.
If you want to make sure that insiders can’t drown out the voices of ordinary folks, I hope you'll check out @AllOnTheLine's Redistricting U. It's a training designed to help you engage with the map-drawing process in your state. Sign up today:
http://bit.ly/RedistrictingU
Re It's more urgent than ever for Congress to pass robust new voting rights legislation—now.
In the wake of the SCOTUS ruling further weakening the Voting Rights Act, take a look at how one Republican in Michigan was subjected to harsh attacks from within his own party for simply acknowledging the validity of the election results in his state.
https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2021/06/michigan-republican-truth-election-fraud/619326/
Happy Fourth of July, and Happy Birthday, Malia! It’s been such a joy to watch you begin to make your own way in the world with poise, grace, and humor. I miss the days when you thought the fireworks were for you.
Libraries are citadels of knowledge and empathy—and they’ve played an extraordinarily important role in my life. I spoke with @SmithsonianSec Bunch about our shared love of books, A Promised Land, and the role storytelling plays in shaping our history.
Our progress on the journey to equality sometimes feels like two steps forward, one step back. But when marriage equality became the law of the land six years ago, justice arrived like a thunderbolt.
The Obama Foundation: “Today, we can say in no uncertain terms that we’ve made our union a little more perfect.”
Six years ago was a day full of justice, grace, and celebration. Hear from some of the people who lived through one of the most unforgettable days of the Obama Presidency.
As a dad of two daughters, this movie really hit home for me. I'm glad to see it has resonated with so many people.
NetflixFilm: FATHERHOOD has been the #1 movie in 82 countries! 61 million households are projected to have their Harts won over by @KevinHart4real and the film — from Sony Pictures & BRON Studios, and presented by Higher Ground Productions — in its first 4 weeks.
That's a lot of Hart ❤️
Congratulations to the @CripCampFilm team on their @PeabodyAwards! I could not be prouder of the disability rights activists who inspired this film, the directors who brought their story to life, and our team at Higher Ground for their hard work.
Judy Heumann: Today, @CripCampFilm had the honor of receiving a @PeabodyAwards. @JimLeBrecht calls for more authentic inclusion of disabled people in media as Crip Camp is just "one story of thousands." Let us embody the "unapologetic spirit" of Crip Camp and fight for our stories to be told💜
By telling her story, Natoma Canfield helped us pass the Affordable Care Act. She was an inspiration to me and so many others, which is why her letter still hangs in my office. Michelle and I send our condolences to Natoma’s family.
https://www.beaconjournal.com/story/news/2021/06/19/medina-woman-who-became-face-health-insurance-reform-dies/7755016002/
The Senate is preparing to take action on a bill that would strengthen our democracy, but Republican Senators are afraid to even debate it. This week, @EricHolder and I had a chance to talk with folks across the country about what’s at stake – and how we can make a difference.
I’m really proud of young men like James and Lazarus who, despite the obstacles they have faced, are raising their daughters with tremendous love and care. To all the dads out there—Happy Father’s Day.
The Obama Foundation: This #FathersDay, we’re celebrating dads like James and Lazarus, who went through @YG_Chicago’s Becoming a Man program, and are shining examples for their daughters despite the obstacles they’ve had to overcome. Hear their reflections on fatherhood with @barackobama.
Now that Juneteenth is a federal holiday, take a minute to learn about Opal Lee—the woman who did more than anyone to make it happen. Let’s follow her lead and try to leave our grandkids a better world than the one we came up in.
https://www.cnn.com/2021/06/17/us/iyw-juneteenth-activist-opal-lee/index.html
On Monday, I’m joining @EricHolder for a grassroots conversation with @AllOnTheLine to talk about why redistricting matters and how the Senate can help protect our democracy. Join us:
http://www.mobilize.us/allontheline/event/397332/
Re And because he extended the special enrollment period until August 15th, anyone who needs coverage can go to
http://healthcare.gov/
Re Now we need to build on the Affordable Care Act and continue to strengthen and expand it. That’s what @POTUS Biden has done through the American Rescue Plan, giving more families the peace of mind they deserve.
Re The principle of universal coverage has been established, and 31 million people now have access to care through the law we passed—with millions more who can no longer be denied coverage or charged more because of a preexisting condition.
Today, the Supreme Court upheld the Affordable Care Act. Again. This ruling reaffirms what we have long known to be true: the Affordable Care Act is here to stay.
On the ninth anniversary of DACA, I’m thinking about all the brave DREAMers who have stepped forward to tell their stories. They have fueled a movement that is still working to guarantee the permanent protections they deserve. I will always be inspired by their fight.
