Michelle Obama

Janelle Monáe. Black-and-white image of Black woman in black and white performance attire playing white guitar behind black-and-white microphone stand in front of white lights.
Sameer Rao  Feb 11, 2019 12:50PM EST

Your Favorite Artists of Color Won Big at the Grammys

See Janelle Monáe, Childish Gambino and other performers and victors rule the awards ceremony—even in their absence. 
Phoebe Robinson, Michelle Obama and Jessica Williams. Black women in blue and orange outfits sit facing Black woman in red shirt around black and brown table with black and red and white microphones in front of brown wall and shade
Sameer Rao  Nov 15, 2018 1:38PM EST

Listen to the Last Episode of '2 Dope Queens' Featuring Michelle Obama

Phoebe Robinson and Jessica Williams concluded their acclaimed WNYC Studios podcast by chatting with the former first lady about navigating the political sphere as a Black woman.  
Book cover with Black woman in white sweater on light blue background behind white text stands on white screen
Sameer Rao  May 24, 2018 12:33PM EDT

Michelle Obama Unveils Cover of Upcoming Memoir

“As I prepare to share ‘Becoming’ this fall, I hope you’ll also think about your own story, and trust that it will help you become whoever you aspire to be.”
Black woman with blonde hair in white glasses and grey blouse and skirt in front of dark blue curtain and behind people with black and grey hair
Sameer Rao  May 15, 2018 1:50PM EDT

Amy Sherald Revisits Creative Journey for New Solo Exhibit

The artist who painted Michelle Obama for the National Portrait Gallery triumphed over illness on her way to success. 
Black woman in white blouse with light blue stripes holds black microphone and smiles in front of light grey screen with light blue text and red insignia
Sameer Rao  Feb 26, 2018 10:56AM EST

Michelle Obama Announces New Memoir Title, Release Date

“Becoming” will follow the former first lady of the United States’ journey from her childhood in South Side Chicago to the present.
Michelle and Barack Obama smiling on stage
Kenrya Rankin  Feb 12, 2018 10:00AM EST

LIVESTREAM: Smithsonian Unveils Barack and Michelle Obama Portraits

Created by Kehinde Wiley and Amy Sherald, the images will hang in the National Portrait Gallery.
Black woman in brown leopard-print dress stands in front of pink wall with white text and insignia; Black woman in off-white dress stands in front of blue curtain and White men in grey suits
Sameer Rao  Oct 24, 2017 12:34PM EDT

READ: Tracee Ellis Ross Honors Michelle Obama in New Essay

“Eight years of watching Michelle Obama as a person, not just relegated to doing ‘woman things,’ provided an antidote to all the false representations of Black women that have inundated us for centuries.”
Painting of Black woman in brown and black patterned dress in front of brown stone and green and blue desert scenery; Painting of Black woman in black and white dress with black purse and hat in front of light blue background
Sameer Rao  Oct 16, 2017 4:32PM EDT

Barack and Michelle Obama Select Kehinde Wiley and Amy Sherald to Paint National Gallery Portraits

The two visual artists will paint the first Black U.S. president and first lady for the Smithsonian Institute’s National Portrait Gallery in Washington D.C.
Black woman in blue and black jacket in white chair in front of white text on window showing blue sky
Sameer Rao  Jul 11, 2017 4:04PM EDT

Former White House Advisor Valerie Jarrett Reflects on Life, Politics in Upcoming Book

“I want to share the experiences, life lessons and values that have shaped who I am and my ideas for the future.”
Illustration of white buildings next to green trees and grey walkway in front of blue background with brown buildings on horizon
Sameer Rao  May 4, 2017 11:29AM EDT

Obamas Unveil Design, Goals for New Presidential Library

The former president and first lady envision the Obama Presidential Center as a “hub for the community.”
Black woman in green, pink and black dress stands clapping next to Black man in black-and-white tuxedo in theater balcony with maroon and gold ceiling
Sameer Rao  Mar 1, 2017 12:09PM EST

Obamas Ink Mammoth Book Deals with Penguin Random House

The former president and first lady signed book deals that reportedly total nearly $65 million.
White woman in light blue skirt and coat, White man in navy suit and red tie, Black man in grey suit and blue tie and Black woman in maroon coat and skirt stand with hands on hearts in front of saluting military and others all standing on blue stairs
Sameer Rao  Jan 20, 2017 5:13PM EST

How Your Faves Really Feel About the #Inauguration

The Obamas’ departure from the White House and Donald Trump’s first day as president compelled many entertainers of color to speak their minds on social media. They didn’t hold back.
Black man in navy suit with blue patterned tie behind brown podium with black microphones against purple-lit background with musicians in shadow
Sameer Rao  Nov 16, 2016 2:40PM EST

Celebrate Black Cultural Excellence With These Streaming Specials

Both BET’s “Love and Happiness: An Obama Celebration” and PBS’ “Black America Since MLK: And Still I Rise” highlight the past and present of Black pop cultural domination. They are both available to stream today.
Kenrya Rankin  Nov 8, 2016 10:05AM EST

#ObamaDay Wants to Make You Cry

Twitter peeps are using Election Day to honor 44 and family.
Michelle Obama smiles at podium, wearing black and white dress
Kenrya Rankin  Oct 17, 2016 11:43AM EDT

READ: 4 Thank You Notes to Michelle Obama

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Rashida Jones and more published heartfelt letters to the First Lady for “changing the course of American History.”
Facebook box with blue border, white background and black text
Sameer Rao  Oct 4, 2016 4:15PM EDT

Georgia Educator Fired for Racist Facebook Posts

Jane Wood Allen was fired for several Facebook posts in which she made racist statements against Black people and Muslims.
Tika Sumpter in peach-colored dress with Parker Sawyers in light blue shirt, both against blurry background
Sameer Rao  Aug 18, 2016 3:00PM EDT

The Obamas Prep for First Date, Explore Museum in New 'Southside With You' Previews

The romantic comedy-drama depicting the first couple’s relationship origin story arrives in theaters nationwide on August 26.
Black woman in blue dress stands in front of a microphone
Kenrya Rankin  Jul 26, 2016 11:39AM EDT

From Michelle Obama to Bernie Sanders, Dems Kick Off Convention With Heavy Hitters

We break down the can’t-miss highlights of the speeches from the first day of the DNC.
Woman in navy sits beside woman in black and orange in front of the choir stand at a church
Kenrya Rankin  Jul 25, 2016 11:39AM EDT

Marcia Fudge Replaces DNC Chair as Dems Work to Unite

The Democratic party is on its third chair since Friday’s email leak. The FBI just announced that it will investigate the breach of the DNC’s email server.
White woman wearing white stands in front of a microphone
Kenrya Rankin  Jul 19, 2016 9:53AM EDT

10 Best Reactions to Melania Trump's RNC Speech

Viewers went off when they realized an entire section was lifted wholesale from a 2008 FLOTUS speech. From #BeckyWithTheBorrowedSpeech to #FamousMelaniaTrumpQuotes, hilarity ensued.