Michelle Obama, 44, spouse of the 2008 Democratic presumptive presidential nominee Barrack Obama, is a Harvard-educated lawyer and Vice President for Community and External Affairs at University of Chicago Hospitals. Michelle La Vaugh Robinson Obama was born in Chicago, Illinois to Frasier and Marian Robinson. Michelle Obama went to Whitney Young High School. She passed out in 1982 and went to Princeton University where she majored in sociology and minored in African American studies.
After graduating from Princeton in 1985, Michelle Obama joined Harvard Law School and got her JD degree in 1988. Michelle, then, went on to work for the law firm Sidley Austin in Chicago. It was at Sidney Austin that Michelle Obama met Barack Obama who was her mentee.
Michelle and Barack Obama got married in 1992. The couple have two daughters, Malia Ann, 10, and Natasha, 7.
Career Milestones
1990: Assistant to the Mayor and Assistant Commissioner of Planning and Development, Chicago city government.
1993: Executive Director for the Chicago office of Public Allies, a non-profit organization encouraging young people to work on social issues in nonprofit groups and government agencies.
1996: Associate Dean of Student Services at the University of Chicago
2002: Executive director for community affairs, University of Chicago Hospitals
2005: Vice President for Community and External Affairs
Political Role
Michelle Obama, while she claims to dislike politics, has been an integral part of Obama’s presidential campaign. She has often been referred to as The Closer in the media because of her ability to pull in votes.
In the early days of the campaign, she traveled for nearly three days a week taking part in events and giving interviews. In February 2008, Michelle attended 33 events in a week.
Michelle Obama has said that she is not a senior adviser to Barack Obama when describing her role. Michelle gave two stump speeches in 2007 for Obama’s presidential campaign. Her speeches were described as intelligent and honest. She appears to project herself as a real woman, a professional who has to juggle work with raising kids, and being a wife.
Michelle Obama’s public persona: Guts, glamor and grouses
The first Black First Lady in-waiting, Michelle Obama has engendered great curiosity, not just in what she says and how she behaves, but also in terms of her glam quotient. She has been touted as one of the World’s 25 most inspiring women by Essence magazine, she has also been dubbed as among the
World’s top 10 best dressed people by Vanity Fair.
Unlike Laura Bush who is considered to be a supportive homemaker, and Hillary Clinton who is considered to be a shrewd politician, Michelle Obama is perceived to be smart as a whip with indisputable professional credentials. She is also considered to be a consenctious mother who has cut back on her demanding career to raise her children.
She has often been described in the media as a straight-talking, smart, and outspoken to a fault. In fact, her detractors think that she is not diplomatic enough and her tendency to say exactly what she pleases may do Obama more harm than good.
Critics have accused her of being anti-American when she said that,“for the first time in my adult life, I am proud of my country … because I think people are hungry for change.”
Michelle Obama’s speeches are peppered with details of how tough things are for average Americans; she often cites the example of her own struggle to make good in life. She has often mentioned how difficult it was to be a black student in Princeton and Harvard. Conservatives have denigrated these statements as the carping of a bitter, ungrateful, ghetto American.
Michelle has also come in for criticism for belittling her husband in public. In order to project Obama as a regular Joe and get a few laughs, she has made references to his big ears, snoring, bad breath, and other assorted masculine failings.
But for all the quibbling about her personality, no one denies that she is pretty much the “rock” in her husband’s life as described by him.
August 5th, 2008 at 4:24 am
This was supposed to be a photo gallery. It has no photos of Michelle during her college years before she met Barack. Are there no photographs of her between high school and the mid 1990s?
August 7th, 2008 at 3:20 am
I’m so very proud of Michelle Obama it makes me cry! I’m so glad to see someone my daughter, granddaughters, and great granddaughter can have as a wonderfully positive role model. Thank you God for giving her to us!
Thank you Michelle for being a REAL WOMEN!
September 17th, 2008 at 7:49 pm
u ar realy cute, May the good Lord guird u, ur husband and children.
may ur husban succed being the president of the United State
We all loves u in Africa, especially my country Sierra Leone
We ar proud of u and ur husband.
I pray dat Allah make ur husband to become the President of the US.
Amin
October 13th, 2008 at 7:19 pm
beside every successful man is a woman
i see u michelle
u are an inspiration
November 5th, 2008 at 2:03 pm
They are a power couple, thankyou for showing african-americans that they can do something with their life .. and be successful.
THNKYOU .
November 6th, 2008 at 3:32 pm
May God Bless You and Your Family.
November 6th, 2008 at 4:09 pm
I’m so incredibly happy that we have an educated, strong, REAL woman going into the White House… And it’s so good to see a powerful couple who’s not afraid to show they love each other without apology. They seem to have a very genuine relationship, unlike George & Laura (who always seem forced together) or Bill & Hillary (who seem like they still have anger/trust issues to work through).
It’ll be interesting to see how Michelle balances her new role with her old roles, between being the first black First Lady, being a mother, and being an educated woman. I hope she gives the kind of inspiration as First Lady that Jackie did, we need it, for our women and our daughters!
November 10th, 2008 at 7:06 pm
MACHELLE I LOVE YOU AND YOUR FAMILY SO SO MUCH, WE THE AFRICANS ARE PROUD OF YPUR GREAT ACHIEVEMENT, I LOVE YOU SO MUCH. CONGRATULATIONS ONCE MORE.
November 23rd, 2008 at 2:50 am
Love her!
December 14th, 2008 at 10:51 pm
Mrs. Obama reminds me so much of my wife. Exceptshe is a younger version
January 5th, 2009 at 5:42 pm
A rough begining, a beautiful middle age, hope and an undeniable gloriously great end.
Love to know our God is still at work lifting people from “grass” so to say to GRACE. A WOMAN of cute integrity and virture, you are Michelle.
Love you.
Menyit, Lagos Nigeria
January 18th, 2009 at 5:29 pm
As I write this, I’m crying. To think there will be a black woman (and man, of course) in the white house, AND they are actually democrats and not dictatorial republicans, is out of this world beautiful.
January 20th, 2009 at 1:48 am
Michelle is so beautiful and poised. I just love her. She makes you want to stand proud and tall! she inspires greatness!
January 20th, 2009 at 10:52 pm
michelle you are an inspiation fo all of us…. we luv u…. never change….
January 21st, 2009 at 2:39 am
What is amazing to me are those who are SOOOOOOO greatful that “a black woman who is educated is finally in some type of power position”.
Like it never happened before!
What about Oprah? What about all those actors and actresses?
Too bad the issue of “RACE” and being “BLACK” is and has been now so evident to All America when we thought we had made such great strides to overcome racism.
But obviously those who are black now have shown how racism has continued to exist in the black race and how the white man is considered evil even now during the Benediction this Enaugural day.
On such a wonderful day it is too bad that that racism within the black community DOES EXIST and those who are black seem to have to prove something NOT TO those not of color but to THEMSELVES who have held racism down deep and have never moved forward!
I hope now they find some peace!
I do appreciate having a younger couple in the White House and I pray for thier success and hope that our countries security and protection within our borders and within our finacial markets turn in the right direction!
We do all need to take personal responsiblity and WORK TOGETHER!
God Bless America
January 21st, 2009 at 3:13 am
I am a white American woman, and I am so proud to have Michelle, Barack, Malia, and Sasha as our First Family. They make such a beautiful picture in both physical looks and in beautiful spirit. They are an awesome role model for all American families to aspire to. Welcome to the White House Obama Family.
January 21st, 2009 at 3:43 pm
I think she is God awfully ugly. sorry just saying
January 21st, 2009 at 4:10 pm
I’m a Canadian and I echo Mchele’s comments above – great to see such a great family in the White House – regardless of race, colour, creed! They are a dynamic couple, and family, and a real symbol of hope for the US.
January 22nd, 2009 at 3:43 am
We are all so proud of you and your husband! BARACK OBAMA JUST MADE HISTORY! WOO!!!
January 22nd, 2009 at 5:46 pm
I SEE THAT YOU HAVE THE POTENTAL TO BE BY YOUR HUSBANDS SIDE FOR EVERY LAUGH AND EVERY TEAR AS HIS ADMINISTRATION UNFOLDS. YOU KEEP HIS HEAD UP HIGH AND HE WILL TAKE CARE OF US(THE PEOPLE OF THE US). AS THE YEARS GO BY I KNOW YOU WILL DO GOOD FOR THIS COUNTRY, JUST AS YOUR HUSBAND US ALREADY DOING. GOD BLESS YOU TWO!!
January 22nd, 2009 at 7:40 pm
I am not a racist and I must say: way to go Michelle, what you’re saying is sooooo true. And thank you Robert, she looks 100% like a chimp!
January 23rd, 2009 at 1:33 am
All i would like to say is that am really proud to have Michelle and Barack as an expample of the White House…Am Romanian and my girlfriend is Mauritian. I feel blessed and lucky like Obama to have her. All i would like to say we should be proud of who we are
January 23rd, 2009 at 1:59 am
Makes up her own mind
Intelligent
C-aring wife
H- Hard working
E- Eager to help
L- Lovely outfits/fashions
L- Loving mother
E- Equal to her husband
All these qualities and more make up the wonderful woman that is named Michelle Obama.
January 23rd, 2009 at 7:30 pm
I thank god for this day and to be able to see Mr.Obama become the next president. Ms. Michelle and the kids are very likey to have a husband and father like mr.OBama and my god bless each and early one of them over this next couple of years.
January 24th, 2009 at 7:58 pm
Thank you god for giving Obama the strength and courage to go all the way to make history.. And for his lady to be by his side every step of the way..You are his rock Michelle.He reminds me of me and my Fiance. Thank you for changing this world and for it to become a better place without prejudice and hate, we all have to become one…..
January 25th, 2009 at 2:51 am
this response is to robert and the truth who thinks michelle obama is god awful ugly….
Barack thought she was hot thats why she is in the white house and your not!!!!!! losers..lmao
January 25th, 2009 at 3:20 am
Robert and TheTruth!
You obviously have self-hate and you project it on Michelle. She can’t help your sick minds that are obviously clouded by hate and racism. The woman is beautiful, granted she does not look European but she is gorgeous!
Now both of you I have some white sheets to sell you!
January 25th, 2009 at 4:30 pm
MESSAGE TO ROBERT!
WHAT WAS THE POINT OF YOUR ‘UGLY COMMENT’?
WHO ARE YOU…..?MALE MODEL?LEADER OF A COUNTRY?AS EDUCATED AS THE OBAMAS?
I VERY MUCH DOUBT IT!
MAYBE TRY AND BE A LITTLE MORE POSITIVE IN LIFE…AND LEAVE YOUR NEGATIVE COMMENTS AT HOME!
January 26th, 2009 at 1:08 am
God bless u!
love u
February 6th, 2009 at 11:12 pm
wowwwww!!!! any comments. I’m super pleased and happy to read this. Many African American and happy for them and the congratulations.
They are a perfect match and I am delighted to have reached the presidency of the United States. =)
Emiliano
February 11th, 2009 at 10:59 am
Am proud of America, am proud of the inspiring and motivating first family. God bless you and keep you!
February 11th, 2009 at 7:01 pm
Michelle is such a Beautiful woman with Beautiful African features! But not only that, this woman is intelligent beyond some of the comments I have just read. Let me tell you something, this woman don’t care what you think about her. She has a good man, Beautiful children and a Mother that many would die for. In addition she has more money than most of the negative people making stupid remarks. But more importantly people who make remarks like that secrelty wish that they were her or wish they could have what she got!!!!
February 18th, 2009 at 2:55 am
Like my son said “HE IS AMERICA” I am proud!
February 19th, 2009 at 1:43 am
i hope god keep u in tuch wit u
February 24th, 2009 at 10:45 pm
I voted for president Obama and I love and respect both him and the members of his family. However, i must say in reguards to some of the comments above.. as a white person you can think a black person is unattractive and NOT be racist. To suggest otherwise is ignorant. The same can be said in reverse. However, i WILL say: that kind of comment (to say Michelle looks like a chimp) is rude and rediculous unprovoked.
March 7th, 2009 at 3:03 am
Robert I am pretty sure you looked really weathered. I rather look like a chimp! If you don’t understand here is a brief description. Cracked, pealing, dry, pale, molted, altered in color and texture to make simple. And this is for who ever else wants to talk crazy about michelles’ looks.
March 24th, 2009 at 5:04 pm
I Love U Michell Obama You Is The Bomb
April 7th, 2009 at 1:51 am
ohhhhhhhhhhh Michelle Obama…..Is itn’t she so adorable????? I mean look at her couragers supporting her husband from the day they met untill today. i think Michelle obama is a grateful and honourble woman ever. I wish her all the best and her family in future.
Michelle i have faith in you, you and your husband have brought black people’s lives up
congratulations!!!!!!!!!!
April 9th, 2009 at 12:45 am
I think Michelle Obama is one of the most attractive women i have even seen. Not only that, but her intelligence, and the way she projects herself, makes her her seem almost unachieveable…GOOD JOB MR.PRESIDENT…she’s a keeper!
April 24th, 2009 at 3:48 pm
Proud to live this time: a black man and a black women top of the word:)
I hope they don t change, because they are fantastic
(from Hungary)
April 25th, 2009 at 3:04 am
I’m sorry for Robert and Truth! Very sorry!You are not an help for humanity. Truth should be so you don’t deserve the nick.
May 2nd, 2009 at 12:59 pm
ILS SONT MAGNIFIQUE !!!!!
So beautiful
i hope the best for to them ….
May 6th, 2009 at 2:12 pm
i am a Guyanese who is residing in Barbados now is very proud of Mr Obama and his family. I used to follow up Interviews on Oprah winfrey shows before he become the President of USA. I love you and your family and I will continue to pray for you.
May 6th, 2009 at 5:48 pm
more grease to your elbows. the inspiration drawn from you will live on. you are a perfect example of women’s support to their husbands.
How I hope all women were like you.
courag Michel.
May 8th, 2009 at 6:15 am
Wow! I love this family so much! The pictures are beautiful and am loving them all!!
June 13th, 2009 at 7:34 pm
how does saying someone is ugly- mean you’re projecting “self-hate” onto another person.. and how does that make you a racist?
June 18th, 2009 at 2:42 pm
If Robert wants to leave his opinion then that’s fine! I didn’t see anywhere that “No negative (but honest) opinions allowed.” I think Michelle Obama is an attractive woman. I’m not sure about her fashion sense.
July 23rd, 2009 at 10:10 am
Michelle you are a wonderful woman keep it up.
July 23rd, 2009 at 11:18 am
hey shirley heights; what was the point of “your” comment? that you don’t believe in freedom of speech/press? or, if a person has a conflict of opinion with you, they should keep their mouth shut? who are YOU? are you a leader? are you educated? you’re nothing.
July 23rd, 2009 at 12:10 pm
To be alive when history is being made underline the mercies of Our God, to be the actor/actress in the unfolding drama of history projects the Divine Grace of the maker of Heaven and Earth.
May the good Lord continue His good work in your lives, in the destinies of all Americans and the whole world at large.
The Lord will continue to envision as well as enable you to continue very well and to end gloriously.
For with God all things,Shall be possible
Double Congratulations! !!
Muyiwa Abiola, Lagos, Nigeria
July 23rd, 2009 at 2:34 pm
I feel that there is much racism on this comment line than anything. If anyone can open there mouth and say that an African American is racist, then guess what i’m sure someone can thank you for teaching all races racism. And for you you claimed not to be a racist, and called the first lady a 100% chimp. You are a racist and need to evaluate your self. Evidently, your the one who is blind and cannot see. No wonder there is so much hatred in the world, the bitter, hatred, and angry for no reason spirit you have. You are one sick person full of venom, and shedded poison to everyone who is weak and will accept it.
July 23rd, 2009 at 2:44 pm
To the lady who made the comment on January 21, 2009 at 2:39AM above, which may not be your name. You are so throwed off, if you will pay attention and read. The point is there has never been a African American in the white house. Yes, Oprah is powerful, but the person is talking beyond that which that is no black person has ever been as close or been in the white house. And stop being so mean, causing a hostile environment. Yes, i’m so grateful, now what are you going to say to that.
July 27th, 2009 at 4:22 am
To anyone that was offended by the Jackass known as “Robert” who stated he thinks michelle was god awfully ugly. Let me apologize on his behalf.
As a white guy, she is by FAR the MOST ATTRACTIVE woman that’s ever been in the White House. I doubt we’ll ever see a woman that gorgeous and smart ever again.
But then again, I may be biased, I love black women in general.
These photos are beautiful of Michelle Obama.
August 1st, 2009 at 2:34 am
Yes Ellen, You are right …we all secretly want to be black, look like Michelle Obama, have a shiftless husband with that lousy, thankless, rotten job as president.
THAT’S ENOUGH TO MAKE EVEN JESUS JEALOUS.
(speaking of…Please help us God, for we know not what a big mistake we made.)
August 13th, 2009 at 6:01 pm
I am steffani from Jamaica and i admire First Lady Obama and her family so much. I especially admire the bond between herself and her husband, it is certainly no doubt that they truly love each other and of course their kids. The kids are beautiful and seem warm and loving like their parents, i pray that they will walk in their parents footstep and that the entire family will reverend God above all things and dedicate their lives to Him.
I love this family very very much and i pray God’s richest blessings for them continuously from my family (King) to theirs (Obama), lots of love.
August 25th, 2009 at 9:16 am
I am encouraged by the testimonies of their lives and I am really proud of them. I wish then a fulfilled tenure in office. I know I will get to meet them soon.
August 25th, 2009 at 9:46 am
This is the begining of better things God will use your family to do for not America,but the world.
August 25th, 2009 at 2:08 pm
Oh my GOD! I`m truly speechless,thankful to God.I`m encouraged.The thing is that this is a race war! It`s sooooo sad!Please believe God is watching and pray for his coming! May he bless all struggling with this war.The media needs to check their family background! It seems as though they are jealous and would prefur a white couple in the white house.We need not to prosecute Conrad Murruy,how about Bush&Chaney!and all like them.Please pray for me as I`am truly having promblems with race!I know that God will reign in the end.Lovingly and may God keep blessin us.All of us!
August 25th, 2009 at 3:59 pm
A woman of poise and character and infact the spine of her husband. You no doubt have inspired and continue to inspire women around the world. May the Almighty protect you and your family as we pray that the White House experience does not change you and your daughters.
September 9th, 2009 at 1:05 pm
Michelle is a beautiful and smart woman and someone always have something negative to say about someone that is doing things to help others. Those of you with hatred in your heart because we have a WONDERFUL BLACK COUPLE in the white house should be ashamed. I just feel sorry for you on judgement day….I would hate to be you!! Clean your heart of bitterness and move on.
September 9th, 2009 at 4:03 pm
michelle we africans are proud of you, may Almighty Allah continue to guide your husband Barack Usain Obama.
September 9th, 2009 at 8:19 pm
EMBRACE the BITTER with the SWEET!!
BITTER:
Know that anything (or anyone) of “significant” value will surely be subjected to hatred, racism, ridicule, envy, jealousy, etc… That which is “worthless” escapes the eyes of the bitter beholder…
SWEET:
Know that the USA has made history with its first African-American President & First Lady. Know that this First Family is a REAL FAMILY of true NATIONAL influence. And know that this historical move has uplifted & inspired people of ALL ages & ethnicities to embrace “change”, both here in the USA and in various foreign countries around the globe!!
BITTERSWEET:
Know that while “traditionalists” continue to try & distract all with their “dim” points-of-view, they are actually pointing & shining a “bright light” on something of high value! Nonetheless, it seems certain that, in the not-so-distant future, our children will:
(A) Blaze their OWN paths in history, despite ethnic obstacles & political hurdles
(B) Follow their OWN minds, despite their ancestors’ racism, hatred, and bitter ways. OR
(C) They could care less about “all of the above”
God Bless the Obamas.. AND America
September 18th, 2009 at 7:41 pm
They just look so beautiful family.
September 18th, 2009 at 10:39 pm
Why don’t any of the photos show Michelle’s GLORIOUS BOOTY. She got it goin on man. Love that junk in the trunk!! Beyonce who???