Early Life and Education of Michelle Obama: A Complete Timeline
An overview of the childhood and early education of Michelle Obama, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.
Michelle Obama is an American attorney and author, best known for serving as the First Lady of the United States from 2009 to 2017 during Barack Obama's presidency. As First Lady, she championed initiatives related to poverty awareness, education, nutrition, and healthy living. She is regarded as a fashion icon and a role model for women. After leaving the White House, she has remained a prominent public figure, continuing her advocacy work and publishing her bestselling memoir, 'Becoming'.
1935: Birth of Fraser Robinson III
In 1935, Fraser Robinson III, Michelle Obama's father, was born.
1937: Birth of Marian Shields Robinson
In 1937, Marian Shields Robinson, Michelle Obama's mother, was born.
1981: Entry to Princeton University
In 1981, Michelle Robinson entered Princeton University.
1981: Graduation as Salutatorian
In 1981, Michelle Robinson graduated as the salutatorian of her class from Whitney Young High School.
1983: Brother Graduates from Princeton
In 1983, Michelle Obama's brother graduated from Princeton University, potentially aiding her admission process.
1985: Graduation from Princeton University
In 1985, Michelle Robinson graduated cum laude from Princeton University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and African-American studies.
1988: Graduation from Harvard Law School
In 1988, Michelle Robinson earned her Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from Harvard Law School.
1989: First Date with Barack Obama
In 1989, Michelle Robinson and Barack Obama went on their first date to see Spike Lee's movie "Do the Right Thing".
March 1991: Death of Father
In March 1991, Michelle Robinson's father, Fraser C. Robinson III, passed away from complications of multiple sclerosis. This loss prompted her to reconsider her contributions to society.
1991: Death of Fraser Robinson III
In 1991, Fraser Robinson III, Michelle Obama's father, passed away.
1991: Public Sector Positions in Chicago
In 1991, Michelle Obama held public sector positions in the Chicago city government as an assistant to the mayor and as the assistant commissioner of planning and development.
October 3, 1992: Marriage to Barack Obama
On October 3, 1992, Michelle Robinson married Barack Obama.
1992: Michelle and Barack Obama's Marriage
In 1992, Michelle Robinson married Barack Obama.
1993: Executive Director at Public Allies
In 1993, Michelle Obama became the executive director for the Chicago office of Public Allies, a non-profit organization.
1996: Barack Obama Elected to State Senate
In 1996, Barack Obama was elected to the Illinois State Senate.
1996: Acknowledging Potential Political Career
In 1996, Michelle Obama acknowledged the "strong possibility" of her husband beginning a political career but expressed wariness of the process.
1996: Associate Dean at the University of Chicago
In 1996, Michelle Obama served as the associate dean of student services at the University of Chicago.
1998: Birth of Malia Ann Obama
In 1998, Michelle and Barack Obama's daughter, Malia Ann, was born.
2001: Birth of Natasha (Sasha) Obama
In 2001, Michelle and Barack Obama's daughter, Natasha (Sasha), was born.
2002: University of Chicago Hospitals Position
In 2002, Michelle Obama began working for the University of Chicago Hospitals as executive director for community affairs.
2004: Barack Obama Elected to U.S. Senate
In 2004, Barack Obama was elected to the U.S. Senate.
May 2005: Vice President at University of Chicago Hospitals
In May 2005, Michelle Obama became the vice president for community and external affairs at the University of Chicago Hospitals.
2005: Trump's controversial audio recording
In October 2016, Michelle Obama criticized Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump for the statements he made in a 2005 audio recording at a Clinton rally in Manchester, New Hampshire.
May 2006: Essence's Most Inspiring Women
In May 2006, Essence listed Michelle Obama among "25 of the World's Most Inspiring Women", recognizing her growing influence.
May 14, 2007: Barack Obama Criticizes Wal-Mart
On May 14, 2007, Barack Obama criticized Wal-Mart labor policies at an AFL–CIO forum in Trenton, New Jersey.
July 2007: Vanity Fair's Best Dressed List
In July 2007, Vanity Fair included Michelle Obama in its list of "10 of the World's Best Dressed People", highlighting her style and fashion sense.
September 2007: The Harvard 100
In September 2007, 02138 magazine ranked Michelle Obama 58th on "The Harvard 100," a list of the prior year's most influential Harvard alumni. Her husband was ranked fourth.
May 31, 2008: Withdrawal from Trinity United Church of Christ
On May 31, 2008, Barack and Michelle Obama announced their withdrawal from the Trinity United Church of Christ due to divisive statements by Reverend Wright.
July 2008: Repeat Appearance on Vanity Fair's Best Dressed List
In July 2008, Michelle Obama appeared again on Vanity Fair's international best-dressed list, solidifying her status as a fashion icon.
2008: Trump's attempt to revive past comments Obama made in regard to Clinton during the 2008 presidential election
A week after Michelle Obama criticized Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump for the statements he made in a 2005 audio recording, speaking at a Clinton rally in Manchester, New Hampshire on October 13, 2016, Donald Trump attempted to revive past comments Obama made in regard to Clinton during the 2008 presidential election.
2008: Commitment to Family During Campaign
During Barack Obama's 2008 presidential campaign, Michelle Obama made a commitment to limit overnight travel to once a week to prioritize her daughters.
2008: Delivered Speech at the Democratic National Convention
During the 2008 Democratic National Convention, Michelle Obama delivered a speech where she sought to portray her family as the embodiment of the American Dream. She emphasized values such as hard work, integrity, and respect. She also likely responded to criticism by emphasizing her love for the country. Her keynote address was well-received, and her favorability among Americans reached 55%.
2008: Campaigning for Barack Obama's Presidential Campaign
In 2008, Michelle Obama campaigned for her husband's presidential campaign.
2008: Reduced Work Schedule for Campaign
In 2008, Michelle Obama cut back to part-time at the University of Chicago Hospitals and took a leave of absence to support her husband's election campaign and spend time with her daughters.
2008: Interview on The Ellen DeGeneres Show
In 2008, Michelle Obama stated in an interview on The Ellen DeGeneres Show that they did not intend to have any more children.
2008: Call for Voter Enthusiasm
In a video released in July of 2014, Michelle Obama, referencing past elections, called on voters to be "hungry as you were back in 2008". This was part of an effort to encourage voter turnout.
March 2009: Vogue Cover Appearance
In March 2009, Michelle Obama appeared on the cover and in a photo spread in Vogue magazine, following a tradition of first ladies appearing in the magazine since Lou Hoover. Only Hillary Clinton had previously been on the cover.
April 1, 2009: Meeting with Queen Elizabeth II
On April 1, 2009, Michelle Obama met with Queen Elizabeth II in Buckingham Palace. She embraced the Queen before attending an event with world leaders, generating controversy for the perceived breach of protocol.
April 2009: First Trip Abroad as First Lady
In April 2009, during her first trip abroad as First Lady, Michelle Obama toured a cancer ward with Sarah Brown, wife of British Prime Minister Gordon Brown. There were discussions in the media regarding protocol when Michelle reciprocated a touch on her back by the Queen during a reception. Palace sources denied any breach in etiquette had occurred.
May 2009: Commencement Speech at UC Merced
In May 2009, Michelle Obama delivered the commencement speech at UC Merced in California. The speech was well-received by students who found her relatable.
2009: Influence as a Role Model
Following her husband's election in 2008, it was anticipated that Michelle Obama would be a positive role model who would influence the world's view of African Americans. Her fashion choices were part of the 2009 Fashion Week.
2009: Became First Lady of the United States
In 2009, Michelle Obama became the First Lady of the United States upon her husband, Barack Obama, becoming the 44th president.
2009: Attendance at Various Protestant Churches
In 2009, after moving to Washington D.C., the Obama family attended several different Protestant churches, including Shiloh Baptist Church and St. John's Episcopal Church on Lafayette Square.
January 2010: Consideration of Campaigning in Midterm Elections
In January 2010, Michelle Obama indicated that a decision had not yet been made regarding her involvement in the 2010 midterm elections, despite speculation due to her high approval rating.
January 2010: Undertook first lead role in an administration-wide initiative
In January 2010, Michelle Obama undertook her first lead role in an administration-wide initiative, which she named "Let's Move!", to make progress in reversing the 21st-century trend of childhood obesity.
February 9, 2010: Announced Let's Move!
On February 9, 2010, Michelle Obama announced Let's Move!, an initiative to combat childhood obesity. President Barack Obama created the Task Force on Childhood Obesity to review current programs and create a national plan for change.
April 2010: Solo Visit to Mexico
In April 2010, Michelle Obama made her first solo visit to Mexico, where she encouraged students to take responsibility for their futures, citing herself and her husband as examples of potential found in unlikely places.
October 2010: Campaigning for Democratic Candidates
In October 2010, Michelle Obama toured seven states in two weeks, campaigning for Democratic candidates in the midterm elections. She avoided deep political discussions and public disputes with Republicans, but her "election scorecard proved no better than his, particularly in her home state".
2010: Fashion Influence and Patronage
In 2010, Michelle Obama's style was described as "fashion populist." She wore clothes from various design companies, including high-end brands and more affordable pieces from J.Crew and Target. Her patronage was estimated to be worth an average of $14 million to a company.
June 2011: Official Trip to Africa
In June 2011, Michelle Obama traveled to Africa, visiting Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Botswana, and meeting with Graça Machel. Her involvement in community events and the trip's contribution to her husband's foreign policy were noted.
August 2011: Better Homes and Gardens Cover
In August 2011, Michelle Obama became the first woman to appear on the cover of Better Homes and Gardens magazine, and the first person in 48 years to do so.
2012: DNC Speech on the American Dream
At the 2012 Democratic National Convention (DNC), Michelle Obama emphasized her husband's belief in the American Dream and his desire for everyone to have the same opportunities regardless of background or identity in 2012.
2012: Campaigning for Barack Obama's Re-election Campaign
In 2012, Michelle Obama campaigned for her husband's re-election presidential campaign.
2012: iCarly Guest Appearance
In 2012, Michelle Obama made a guest appearance on the TV show iCarly, portraying herself.
2012: Ancestry Research Findings
In 2012, research indicated that one of Michelle Obama's ancestors, Adolphus T. Shields, was likely the son of Charles Marion Shields, the son of her ancestor's master.
2012: Call for Voter Enthusiasm
In a video released in July of 2014, Michelle Obama, referencing past elections, called on voters to be "hungry as you were back in 2012". This was part of an effort to encourage voter turnout.
2012: Published 'American Grown'
Michelle Obama's 2012 book American Grown: The Story of the White House Kitchen Garden and Gardens Across America is based on her experiences with the garden and promotes healthy eating.
August 2013: Attendance at March on Washington Anniversary
In August 2013, Michelle Obama attended the 50th anniversary ceremony for the March on Washington at the Lincoln Memorial. Her black sleeveless dress with red flowers, designed by Tracy Reese, received positive attention.
2013: Academy Awards Announcement
In 2013, during the 85th Academy Awards, Michelle Obama became the first First Lady to announce the winner of the Oscar for Best Picture, which was awarded to the movie Argo.
March 2014: Visit to China
In March 2014, Michelle Obama visited China with her daughters and mother, meeting with Peng Liyuan, the wife of Chinese President Xi Jinping, and visiting cultural and educational sites. The visit symbolized the relationship between the United States and China.
May 2014: Joined the campaign to bring back school girls kidnapped in Nigeria
In May 2014, Michelle Obama joined the campaign to bring back school girls who had been kidnapped in Nigeria. She tweeted a picture of herself holding a poster with the #bringbackourgirls campaign hashtag.
May 2014: High Approval Rating
In May 2014, Michelle Obama's popularity surpassed her husband's, with a CNN poll showing a 61% favorable approval rating compared to his 43%. This popularity was expected to result in a larger outpouring of support during campaigning.
2014: Parks and Recreation Guest Appearance
In 2014, Michelle Obama made a guest appearance on the TV show Parks and Recreation, portraying herself.
January 2015: Visit to Saudi Arabia
In January 2015, Michelle Obama traveled to Saudi Arabia following the death of King Abdullah. She faced criticism for not covering her head, although she also received defense for being a foreigner. She was neither greeted nor acknowledged by King Salman during the encounter.
March 2015: Commemoration of Selma to Montgomery Marches
In March 2015, Michelle Obama traveled to Selma, Alabama, with her family to commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of the Selma to Montgomery marches. The Obamas joined original marchers, including John Lewis, in crossing the Edmund Pettus Bridge.
June 2015: Trip to London and Italian Cities
In June 2015, Michelle Obama embarked on a week-long trip to London and three Italian cities. In London, she discussed international education for adolescent girls and met with Prime Minister David Cameron and Prince Harry.
July 2015: Visit to Coachella Valley
In July 2015, Michelle Obama visited Coachella Valley while in Los Angeles for the Special Olympics World Games.
October 2015: Visit to Fort Belvoir Military Base
In October 2015, Michelle Obama, Jill Biden, and Prince Harry visited a military base in Fort Belvoir, Virginia, to raise awareness for programs supporting harmed service members.
December 2015: Meeting with San Bernardino Victims' Families
In December 2015, Michelle Obama traveled with her husband to San Bernardino, California, to meet with families of the victims of a terrorist attack that had occurred two weeks prior.
October 13, 2016: Criticism of Donald Trump
On October 13, 2016, Michelle Obama strongly criticized Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump for his comments made in a 2005 audio recording, speaking at a Clinton rally in Manchester, New Hampshire.
December 2016: Second Vogue Cover as First Lady
In December 2016, Michelle Obama appeared on the cover of Vogue for the second time while serving as First Lady. The photographs were taken by Annie Leibovitz.
2016: NCIS Guest Appearance
In 2016, Michelle Obama made a guest appearance on the TV show NCIS, portraying herself.
2017: End of First Lady Term
In 2017, Michelle Obama's term as First Lady of the United States concluded when her husband, Barack Obama, left office.
April 2018: Presidential Run Speculation
In April 2018, Michelle Obama addressed speculations about a potential presidential run, stating that she has "never had the passion for politics."
November 2018: Becoming Memoir Release
In November 2018, Michelle Obama's memoir, Becoming, was released to the public.
November 2019: Becoming Sales Figures
By November 2019, Michelle Obama's memoir, Becoming, had sold 11.5 million copies.
May 6, 2020: Becoming Documentary Release
On May 6, 2020, a documentary titled Becoming, chronicling Michelle Obama's book tour, was released on Netflix.
July 2020: The Michelle Obama Podcast Premiere
In July 2020, Michelle Obama premiered a podcast titled The Michelle Obama Podcast.
2020: Crip Camp Production
In 2020, Michelle Obama produced the documentary film Crip Camp.
January 2, 2021: Georgia Runoff Encouragement
On January 2, 2021, Michelle Obama encouraged Georgia residents to vote in the state's runoff election for the U.S. Senate. She also promoted VoteRiders, an organization providing voter ID education.
January 20, 2021: Biden Inauguration Attendance
On January 20, 2021, Michelle Obama and her husband, Barack Obama, attended the inauguration of Joe Biden. Michelle Obama wore a plum-colored outfit designed by Sergio Hudson.
February 2021: Waffles + Mochi Announcement
In February 2021, Michelle Obama was announced as an executive producer and presenter on a children's cooking show called Waffles + Mochi.
March 16, 2021: Waffles + Mochi Release
On March 16, 2021, the children's cooking show Waffles + Mochi, on which Michelle Obama is an executive producer and presenter, was released by Netflix.
September 11, 2021: 9/11 Memorial Attendance
On September 11, 2021, Michelle and Barack Obama attended a 9/11 memorial to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the attacks.
2021: Moving Towards Retirement
In 2021, Michelle Obama announced that she has been "moving toward retirement", reducing her work and spending more time with her husband.
July 21, 2022: The Light We Carry Book Announcement
On July 21, 2022, it was announced that Michelle Obama's next book, The Light We Carry: Overcoming in Uncertain Times, would be published in November 2022 by Penguin Random House.
November 2022: The Light We Carry Book Publication
In November 2022, Michelle Obama's book, The Light We Carry: Overcoming in Uncertain Times, was published by Penguin Random House.
2022: Black-ish Guest Appearance
In 2022, Michelle Obama made a guest appearance on the TV show Black-ish, portraying herself. She also received a Black Reel Awards for Television nomination for Outstanding Guest Actress, Comedy Series for her role in Black-ish.
April 28, 2023: Appearance with Bruce Springsteen
On April 28, 2023, Michelle Obama, along with actress Kate Capshaw, joined Bruce Springsteen on stage in Barcelona. They provided backing vocals and tambourine for Springsteen's song "Glory Days".
2023: Michelle Obama: The Light Podcast
In 2023, Michelle Obama launched "Michelle Obama: The Light Podcast", based on topics in her 2022 book "The Light We Carry" and featuring conversations from her live book tour.
2023: Rustin Production
In 2023, Michelle Obama produced the biographical drama film Rustin.
2023: Emmy Nomination for The Light We Carry Documentary
In 2023, Michelle Obama received a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Hosted Nonfiction Series or Special at the 75th Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards for the Netflix documentary film The Light We Carry: Michelle Obama and Oprah Winfrey.
March 2024: No Presidential Run Announcement
In March 2024, amidst media speculation regarding President Biden's candidacy, Michelle Obama's office announced that she would not be running for president in the 2024 United States presidential election.
July 2, 2024: Public Opinion Poll Results
According to a Reuters/Ipsos public opinion poll released on July 2, 2024, Michelle Obama was the only Democrat listed who would defeat Trump in a confrontation, receiving 50% of the votes versus 39% for Trump. Also, 55% of voters had a favorable view of Obama compared to 42% for Trump.
August 20, 2024: Democratic National Convention Speech
On August 20, 2024, Michelle Obama delivered a well-received speech at the Democratic National Convention before introducing her husband, Barack Obama. The New York Times described her speech as "electrifying".
2024: Death of Marian Shields Robinson
In 2024, Marian Shields Robinson, Michelle Obama's mother, passed away.
March 2025: IMO Podcast Launch
In March 2025, Michelle Obama launched the podcast IMO with her brother Craig Robinson.
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