Speaking during the “Rape as a Weapon of War” panel at the Women in the World conference, activistLeymah Gbowee presented a novel idea for addressing the problem of rape in the Congo and elsewhere: Michelle Obama should call a meeting of African first ladies—who would “come running” at her suggestion. Daily Beast

There were a number of panels about the plights of women and girl throughout the world. Here is the agenda for the Women in the World conference.

Michelle Obama Watch is headed to Mexico City. Well not exactly, First Lady Michelle Obama is traveling to Mexico and we’ll be watching from this side of the border. In April Mrs Obama is headed to Mexico City in her first official trip as a First Lady. According to the White House Press Secretary…

In recognition of the deep ties between the United States and Mexico, First Lady Michelle Obama will visit Mexico City, Mexico, April 13-15, on her first solo official trip as First Lady. Mrs. Obama’s international agenda will amplify the President’s commitment to advancing mutual interests, mutual respect and mutual responsibility between nations and peoples around the world. During this visit, Mrs. Obama will have the opportunity to engage the citizens of Mexico, particularly young people, and build on her recent conversation with Mexican First Lady Margarita Zavala de Calderon on the issues of education and economic advancement in both countries.

Back in February the two First Ladies met at the White House. They discussed obesity, diabetes, addictions, and the situation of undocumented Mexican minors in the United States. They spoke about the ties between Mexico and the United States in working on these issues.

Posted by Aminah Hanan

Yesterday First Lady Michelle Obama visited the State Department for a ceremony that honored women of courage around the world. Mrs Obama’s host was Secretary of State Hilary Clinton. In her opening remarks the First Lady created quite a stir when she said, 

“Let me thank my dear friend, Senator — Secretary Clinton.  I almost said, “President Clinton.”

One Reuters blogger accused the First Lady of going “overboard in the honorifics for Hillary Clinton” and almost inaugurating her. Give me a break. Did the blogger every stop to think that there was in fact a President Clinton at one point?

Anywho,  here are the First Lady’s remarks in their entirety courtesy of WhiteHouse.gov…

3:35 P.M. EST MRS. OBAMA: Well, thank you. This is indeed a pleasure and an honor to be here with all of you today. You all look fabulous. (Laughter.) This is a wonderful occasion. Let me thank my dear friend, Senator — Secretary Clinton. (Laughter.) I almost said, “President Clinton.” (Laughter and applause.) But let me thank you for that kind introduction, and most of all thank you for your friendship, thank you for your support, and thank you for your indispensable advice in getting me through this first year and helping me figure out how to get my family settled in our new life in D.C. I think it’s fair to say that this woman here set the standard in her last post in a presidential administration -– and she’s once again setting a terrific standard doing outstanding work as the Secretary of State for the Obama administration. (Applause.) I also want to recognize Ambassador Melanne Verveer for her extraordinary work as our Ambassador at Large for Global Women’s Issues. Melanne. (Applause.) And again I have to thank Andrea Jung and Reese Witherspoon. That’s a tremendous contribution on the part of Avon. Thank you for being with us, thank you for your commitment and your dedication and your words here today. It’s just an exciting opportunity. It’s hard to believe that it’s been 15 years since Secretary Clinton spoke those words that inspired women across the globe to think differently about themselves and about their place in the world, and to demand that others think differently, as well: “Women’s rights are human rights” is what she said; the five simple words that weren’t just a statement of fact, but a call to action. (Applause.) And we’re here today to honor 10 women who have devoted their lives to answering that call in just tremendous ways. You’ve heard about them, but, again, there’s Ann Njogu who left a comfortable job as chief legal officer at an insurance company because she couldn’t bear to stand silent in the face of corruption and violence against women in Kenya. And even after being arrested and assaulted by the police because of her work, she continues to speak out. Then there’s Colonel Shafiqa Quraishi of Afghanistan who began her career with the Afghan National Police. And today, as an official in the Ministry of the Interior, she’s fighting to ensure that women in the police force get the promotions they deserve and that women get the benefits they need to do their jobs. And then there’s Dr. Lee Ae-ran who spent eight years of her childhood in a North Korean prison camp. And after a harrowing escape to South Korea, she became a tireless advocate for North Korean refugees and the first defector to run for Korea’s National Assembly. (Applause.) Upon receiving an award for her work, she replied, very simply, “I was only doing what I was naturally supposed to do.” These are the kind of battles that women we honor here are fighting all over the world. They’re educating girls. They’re getting more women into the workforce. They’re working to end human trafficking, labor abuses, discrimination against minorities. And they’re giving women a voice in the courtrooms and in the parliaments, helping to change laws and transform lives in every corner of the globe. Now, there are certainly easier paths these women could have taken. Much easier. They could have chosen to keep their heads down and their mouths shut. They could have shrunk their aspirations to fit the expectations of others -– and accepted the place reserved for them on the sidelines and in the shadows. But instead, they decided to stand up for what they believed in and for what they hoped. They decided to say the things that no one else would say and take risks few others would endure. As a result, they’ve faced hardships that few could bear. Jestina Mukoko of Zimbabwe was abducted from her home, she was tortured, she was interrogated for hours while forced to kneel on gravel –- all for the simple act of speaking out about the government’s human rights abuses. Yet, she emerged unbroken. And as she put it, “I came out of this experience not a bitter person, but a better person.” That is the thread — (applause) — that’s the thread that runs through all of our honorees’ stories –- that ability to draw strength from suffering, the determination to not just advance their own lives, but the lives of others, as well. That’s what makes these women so extraordinary -– that they not only refuse to be victims of injustice and oppression, they also refuse to be bystanders. And that’s one of the reasons why we’ve invited some young women to join us today — the young women from the White House girls mentoring program, along with young women from the Bell Multicultural School, to join us today. Okay, ladies, raise your hand. Let’s see where you are. (Applause.) You’re here for a reason. We love you dearly, but we also want you to learn from these women, and we want you to be inspired by these women’s lives. So listen carefully. Listen to their stories. We invited them because we wanted to say to these young girls — to you, young women, like so many girls across the country — that if these women can become lawyers and journalists and military leaders, if they can run their own organizations and run for office -– then surely you can find a way to follow your own dreams and be the leaders in your own communities right here in America. That’s what we expect from you. (Applause.) Listen closely, because if these women can endure relentless threats, brutal violence, and separation from their families as they fight for their causes –- then surely, you all can keep going when you face struggles and obstacles in your own lives. If these women can start developing their passion for justice as teenagers, if Sonia Pierre could stand up and protest and demand better conditions for migrant workers at the age of 13 –- an act for which she was arrested — (applause) — then none of you are too young to start making a difference. Right? (Applause.) And if these women can make so many sacrifices to help so many people –- then the least we all can do in this room, in this country is to shine a light on their work and honor their contributions. (Applause.) That is the purpose of these Women of Courage awards. We know the difference this kind of recognition and encouragement can make. It really matters. I’m thinking of a story that I heard, of Ginetta Sagan, a human rights activist who was first imprisoned during World War II for helping Jews in Italy escape from the Nazis. And during her time in jail, she was brutally beaten, raped and tortured with electric shocks. And then one day, one of the guards threw a loaf of bread into her cell. And inside that loaf was a matchbox. And on that matchbox was written the word — one word in Italian — “corragio” -– and it was courage. Ginetta spent the rest of her life working to free prisoners of conscience. And every time she came across prisoners who had started to lose hope because they feared that no one knew of their plight, she thought of that moment in that cell. And so today, we say to you women, our sisters, we say “corragio” — courage. (Applause.) America stands with you. We are so incredibly proud of you and your contributions. And know that we are praying for you and we are thinking about you every day. And we have young women here who are going to follow in your footsteps. Right, ladies? (Applause.) Thank you all so much. (Applause.) END 3:45 P.M. EST

Posted by Aminah Hanan   

How cool is this? 21st century Mom-In-Chief, First Lady Michelle Obama, wants to help children develop into healthy adults by having a coordinated effort in the home, school and in the communities. She understands that 21st century children are into technology and what better way to get the message of healthy living across than through video games?

KaBoom the nonprofit organization is mapping out playgrounds across America to help parents locate where their children can play. After launching Let’s Move! FLOTUS is challenging amateur and professional software designers to come up with an app for healthy living. The contest will be judged by leaders in the field of gaming, nutrition, and technology so this will be a star studded affair with the purpose of healthy living.

In an unprecedented approach the Obama Administration has invested $10 billion over 10 years to strengthen the Child Nutrition Act. To help parent’s pediatricians have been encouraged to give parents a detailed plan for health and fitness for their children. The FDA is encouraging companies to come up with customer friendly labels. Marian Robinson, the First Grandmother, was truly a role model for her daughter. She was a PTA mom who raised two remarkable and accomplished children and is now helping to raise the weeMichelles.

 Speaking as Mom-In-Chief FLOTUS urged parents to take the responsibility for their children’s health. Healthy habits start at home but must not end there. FLOTUS issued this challenged at the National PTA on Wednesday. How many software developers are going to take up this challenge?

To read the First Lady’s remarks at the National PTA Conference click here.

 Posted by Patty Jones

By former, we mean recently FORMER, on account of his utter complete stupidity:

This was a no-brainer. Mr. Hospitality forwarded an e-mail depicting Michelle Obama as a chimpanzee, perhaps inspired by Chip Saltsman, the former state Republican Party chairman who thought it would be funny to send around copies of a song titled “Barack the Magic Negro.” Commercial Appeal.

Apparently Tennessee tourism officials are also fielding complaints that Mr. Hospitality’s stupidity is costing them state tourism dollars.
While some may rush to dismiss people like Mr. Baker as relics of a bygone era, the Commercial Appeal summed it up best when they pointed out the significance of what Mr. Hospitality tried to play off as a joke.

The tactic is probably as old as conflict itself. Nazi Germany’s anti-Semitic propaganda portrayed Jews as rats. Our own demonization of the Japanese during World War II made them appear sub-human. SOURCE

I agree with them when they say that this is the desperate language of alienated losers.

The East Wing has announced that First Lady Michelle Obama is scheduled to deliver three commencement addresses this spring. Included in her schedule is the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, one of the nation’s historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU). The University is considered the “flagship of the Delta” offering unique Bachelors and Graduate programs. The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff offers the only Bachelor and Master’s Degree Programs in Aquaculture/Fisheries in the state of Arkansas. The program is internationally recognized for its educational and economic value.

Back in September, Mrs Obama issued a challenge to the students of George Washington University to complete 100,000 hours of community service and as a reward she would speak at their commencement. The students of GWU are are definitely holding up their end of the bargain. Last time I checked they were a little over 75,000 hours.  

Here is the First Lady’s commencement address scheduled courtesy of the East Wing …

Ø On May 8th, the First Lady will address the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. Established more than 130 years ago, the University began as the only state-supported institution of higher education for African Americans in Arkansas. Like many of the nation’s more than one-hundred historically black colleges and universities, the University has played a special role in enabling young people from many walks of life to further their education. While the University offers many different areas of study, it remains dedicated to the mission of providing educational opportunities to underserved communities particularly in the Arkansas Delta region. It is one of a small number of HBCUs that also are land-grant institutions and thus have a long history of preparing students for fields in agriculture, farming, and engineering. The University currently boasts an enrollment of more than 3500 students.

Ø On May 16th, The George Washington University will host their graduation ceremonies in Washington DC. Mrs. Obama is scheduled to address this group provided the student body, faculty and staff complete the 100,000 hours of community service required during the 2009-2010 academic year. Mrs. Obama issued the challenge for these service hours in exchange for her commencement visit in September of 2009, during the first National Day of Service and Remembrance, which was the culmination of President Barack Obama’s “United We Serve” summer service initiative.

Ø On June 11th, Mrs. Obama will address the Anacostia Senior High School Commencement, a DC public school that Mrs. Obama visited in the spring of 2009 in conjunction with her Women of Excellence event and her early mentoring activities as First Lady.

In 2009, Mrs. Obama spoke to the University of California, Merced’s first full senior class. She also addressed the Washington Math and Science Tech Public Charter High School Graduation in Washington DC.

Posted by Aminah Hanan

Today in a stunning ceremony at the Smithsonian Museum of American History, First Lady Michelle Obama donated her fabulous inaugural gown to the institution. The gown was worn to the ten inaugural balls held in Washington, D.C. on that bitterly cold night in January. The formal induction of the gown was an invitation only event that included students from the Huntington High School Fashion Design and Illustration Program in Long Island, New York. In 2009 the school challenged its design and illustration students to create an inaugural gown for Mrs. Obama after students were inspired by her style and spirit. “She’s one of the most fashionable First Ladies,” one young designer said. The students sent a book of illustrations to the First Lady.

Mrs Obama’s one shouldered, white silk chiffon gown’s designer, Jason Wu, was there and told the audience that he didn’t know his gown, embellished with organza flowers and Swarovski crystal centers, had been selected until Mrs. Obama showed up with it on. He was very proud and honored that his design had been selected. Wu, based in Manhattan, as we all know by now was a relatively unknown designer. Known for his emphasis on the feminine hourglass shape and ladylike style, Mrs. Obama has purchased four of his dresses and worn them to interviews with Barbara Walters and to visit Queen Elizabeth.

Indeed, inaugurations are celebratory events for presidents but any accomplishment can be worthy of an inauguration. Think about it. How would you celebrate you or your spouse’s highest achievement? What would you wear?

Nisa Muhammad, Washington DC Correspondent

Huntington High School Fashion Design and Illustration Program

Yesterday First Lady Michelle Obama celebrated International Women’s Day at the White House. Since 1911 International Women’s Day has celebrated the economic, political, and social achievements of women in the past, present, and future. It seemed only fitting that we usher in a new era of Michelle Obama Watch by making blogosphere history and sending our very first Washington, DC Correspondent to the White House. We are the first Black owned and operated (all by women) blog to send a Correspondent to the White House that is strictly dedicated to covering the East Wing. Girls truly do make the world go round.

“Look At me And Adore me.”

That’s what the First Lady said to her husband, the President, as they greeted a standing room only crowd at the White House, March 8, for Women’s International Day. When he gave her a look, she said, “Sincerely, look at me adoringly.” He responded with a smile, “I do adore you.” There was a collective sigh in the audience. We all want a man who adores us. We want him to look at us and utter those pleasing words.

That’s the picture perfect love that the Obamas exude whenever you see them together. At one point during the program the President casually put his arm around his wife while they were sitting and scored another one for how to love a Black woman.

Today is International Women’s Day and I’m Nisa Muhammad the newly assigned Washington Correspondent for the Michelle Obama Watch Blog. What a great job! I got to go to the White House today.

I waited in line with the rest of the press corps,

walked past the west wing, and made my way to the waiting area with the rest of the reports and photographers. I immediately noticed the step stools. What were they for? I didn’t have one. Were they for sitting down? There definitely weren’t any seats where we were waiting. Step stools?

Then it was time to go in and the mad dash took off. The wire service press corps always go in first. But since I just so happened to be sitting on the very steps they use, there I was, going with crowd, going in with them…in the front! So off we go into the White House but we have to remain behind the golden rope.

The royal… er… Presidential couple and their guests were like part of a museum exhibit. If I had a step stool like the others, I could have had a better view and taken better camera shots. It didn’t matter though, because I was there and I did see Cynthia Gordon who blogs about the First Family for Essence. Mostly everyone else was a photographer or part of a camera crew.

The afternoon was a who’s who of Black women. Social Secretary Desiree Rogers, in her last days on the job, was there taking care of business.

In attendance were Dr. Beverly Tatum, President of Spelman College, Civil Rights icon Dr. Dorothy Height, several members of the Congressional Black Caucus, former Secretary of Labor Alexis Herman, and actress Kerry Washington who was the emcee for the afternoon.

Mrs. Obama spoke about the progress of women and girls. And guess what, when the President spoke he looked at Mrs. Obama and said, “I’m very sincere when I look at you adoringly.”

Believe it or not someone asked me if this blog was for stalkers. “Stalkers!?” I said,  “We don’t stalk the First Lady. We just report and keep you informed.”

If you ever get the chance please go the White House. It’s a great place to see the Obamas up close and in person and they definitely look better in person than in the media.

Melanie Campbell, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation, Inc, described the afternoon as “incredible” and “indicative of Michelle Obama’s leadership”.  

This was my first White House assignment. It was great. Check back later for more to come. This is Nisa Muhammad and I am your eyes and ears in Washington, DC.

LUVS!

Squee!

We see you Desiree Rogers. Never let them see you sweat!

First Lady Michelle Obama will be donating her inaugural gown to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History; it was announced today by the First Lady’s office.

The white, one shoulder silk chiffon Jason Wu dress will join the ranks at the American History museum in Washington, D.C. of other First Lady’s famous dresses –Jackie Kennedy, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Helen Taft, among others. Mrs. Obama’s shoes and jewelry will also be on display.

This will be an amazing addition to the existing FLOTUS collection at the Smithsonian. I’m sure the lines will be long to view this exibit, as they were this summer when I took my children. Read more about the exhibit. Posted by Bridgette.