43 F
Indianapolis
Friday, March 29, 2024

Michelle Obama’s visit was a much-needed boost for women

More by this author

Refreshing. Motivating. Proud. Empowering. Epic. 

Those are just some of the words that come to mind as I reflect on former first lady Michelle Obama’s visit to Indianapolis earlier this week.

The buzz leading up to the event was energetic as soon as it was announced that she would be in the Circle City, but nothing prepared me for the obvious tone of the evening. It actually left me speechless. With the increased violence that has plagued our city, the in-fighting amongst local politicians and the crazy instability of this country’s president; it was beyond refreshing to be part of something positive and uplifting and motivating and inspiring and every other adjective that evokes positive emotions.

Tuesday night, downtown Indianapolis was flooded with mostly women and girls representing vast backgrounds, cultures, generations and socio-economic statuses. I loved it!

I met some of my friends downtown for dinner prior to the discussion with Obama at Bankers Life Fieldhouse and not only were we excited, everyone was excited! After dinner we walked a short distance to Bankers Life in preparation to hear Obama speak. As I looked at the masses of women and girls, the energy was so electric it seemed that everyone was literally floating in the streets. There were hugs and smiles abound. Women walked arm and arm with their daughters. Friends strolled merrily by. Family members enthusiastically walked alongside one another. Everyone wanted to experience the greatness of Michelle Obama. It was so beautiful.

Upon entering the fieldhouse and taking our seats, the energy amplified a hundred times over. It was magical.

In what can only be described as her authentic self, Obama dropped knowledge every time she opened her mouth. I thought I would be one of a small number of people taking notes, but I wasn’t. Attendees wanted to not only experience Obama in the flesh, they also wanted to internalize what she said so that they could learn and grow from her insight.

Here are some of my favorite quotes from Obama’s visit to Indy:

On parenting

“Kids don’t need a lot of stuff. I didn’t have a lot of stuff. I just want parents to know it’s the time in. It’s not the stuff.”

On stereotypes and biases placed on children of color

“Push past people’s low expectations of you. You have to practice achieving through people’s low expectations of you.”

On verbally encouraging people who have no opportunities

“I don’t know what to say…no words can do that. The better use of my time is to try to fix the problems that they’re facing. I can’t say anything.”

On women voting for Donald Trump

“Women voted for a candidate who supported so many issues that weren’t supportive of them. They gave their power away.”

On youth who deal with challenges

“Anybody who has been successful, particularly if you’re a woman, and especially if you’re a woman of color, you grow up with a lot of doubts in your head.”

On believing in yourself

“There are very mediocre people out there who run stuff, but nobody out there told them they can’t. You’re just as capable. But you can’t be at the table if you are not prepared.”

Experiencing Michelle Obama was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. While we are all relishing in the aftermath of her time in Indy, the visit would not have been possible without the hard work of the staff and board members of the Women’s Fund of Central Indiana. The Women’s Fund was responsible for bringing Obama to the Circle City. The organization works to create “transformative and sustainable change for women and girls” in Indiana. Tuesday evening’s sellout crowd of 12,000 people helped the Women’s Fund raise over $1 million, which will help the organization further execute its mission. Kudos to the Women’s Fund for such a noteworthy and necessary event featuring one of the most transformative women in our nation’s history.

- Advertisement -
ads:

Upcoming Online Townhalls

- Advertisement -

Subscribe to our newsletter

To be updated with all the latest local news.

Stay connected

1FansLike
1FollowersFollow
1FollowersFollow
1SubscribersSubscribe

Related articles

Popular articles

Español + Translate »
Skip to content