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, author, and former First Lady of the United States (2009-2017). As the wife of Barack Obama, the 44th U.S. President, she championed initiatives focused on health, education, and poverty awareness. Her signature programs included 'Let's Move!' to combat childhood obesity, 'Reach Higher' to encourage higher education, and 'Let Girls Learn' to promote girls' education globally. A graduate of Princeton University and Harvard Law School, Obama's career included work in law, public service, and community outreach. She is a best-selling author and a prominent voice on issues of social justice and equality.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

1935: Fraser Robinson III born

In 1935, Fraser Robinson III, Michelle Obama's father, was born. He later worked at a city water plant and was a Democratic precinct captain.

1937: Marian Shields Robinson born

In 1937, Marian Shields Robinson, Michelle Obama's mother, was born. She worked as a secretary and later became a full-time homemaker.

January 17, 1964: Michelle LaVaughn Robinson born

On January 17, 1964, Michelle LaVaughn Robinson was born in Chicago, Illinois, to Fraser Robinson III, a city water plant employee, and Marian Shields Robinson, a secretary. This marked the beginning of her life journey.

January 17, 1964: Michelle Obama Born

On January 17, 1964, Michelle LaVaughn Robinson was born in Chicago, Illinois. She later became an attorney, author, and First Lady of the United States.

1981: Enrolls at Princeton University

In 1981, Michelle Robinson enrolled at Princeton University, inspired by her brother. This marked a significant step in her academic journey.

1981: Graduates as Salutatorian

In 1981, Michelle Robinson graduated as the salutatorian of her class at Whitney Young High School. She was on the honor roll for four years and took advanced placement classes.

1983: Brother graduates from Princeton

In 1983, Michelle Obama's brother graduated from Princeton. His status as a student in good standing may have helped her during her admission process.

1985: Graduates from Princeton

In 1985, Michelle Robinson graduated cum laude from Princeton University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology and African-American studies. She completed a senior thesis titled 'Princeton-Educated Blacks and the Black Community'.

1988: Earns Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School

In 1988, Michelle Robinson earned her Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from Harvard Law School. This achievement marked a significant milestone in her professional and academic career.

1989: First Date with Barack Obama

In 1989, Michelle Robinson and Barack Obama had their first date, seeing Spike Lee's movie 'Do the Right Thing'. This event marked the beginning of their relationship.

March 1991: Father's Death and Friend's Cancer Diagnosis

In March 1991, Michelle Robinson's father, Fraser C. Robinson III, passed away from complications from his illness. Around the same time, her friend Suzanne Alele died from cancer. These losses led her to re-evaluate her contributions to society.

1991: Fraser Robinson III died

In 1991, Fraser Robinson III, Michelle Obama's father, passed away. His death had a profound impact on her life.

October 3, 1992: Michelle and Barack Obama get Married

On October 3, 1992, Michelle Robinson and Barack Obama married. This union set the stage for their shared journey in public service and family life.

1992: Michelle Marries Barack Obama

In 1992, Michelle Robinson married Barack Obama. This was a pivotal moment in her life, setting the stage for her future roles and accomplishments alongside her husband.

1996: Wary of Political Career

During an interview in 1996, Michelle Obama acknowledged the possibility of her husband entering politics but expressed wariness about the scrutiny it would bring to their lives, as she was intensely private.

1996: Associate Dean at University of Chicago

In 1996, Michelle Obama served as the associate dean of student services at the University of Chicago, where she developed the university's Community Service Center.

1998: Birth of Daughter Malia Ann

In 1998, Michelle and Barack Obama's daughter, Malia Ann, was born. This marked a new chapter in their lives as parents.

2001: Birth of Daughter Natasha (Sasha)

In 2001, Michelle and Barack Obama's daughter, Natasha (Sasha), was born. The birth of their second daughter completed their family.

May 2006: Essence Lists Obama Among Most Inspiring Women

In May 2006, Essence magazine recognized Michelle Obama as one of "25 of the World's Most Inspiring Women", marking her emergence into popular culture.

July 2007: Vanity Fair Lists Obama Among Best Dressed

In July 2007, Vanity Fair listed Michelle Obama among "10 of the World's Best Dressed People", recognizing her fashion sense as she rose in prominence.

September 2007: 02138 Magazine Lists Obama Among Harvard Alumni

In September 2007, 02138 magazine ranked Michelle Obama 58th on "The Harvard 100," a list of the previous year's most influential Harvard alumni. Her husband was ranked fourth.

May 31, 2008: Withdrawal of Church Membership

On May 31, 2008, Barack and Michelle Obama announced that they had withdrawn their membership in Trinity United Church of Christ due to divisive statements by Reverend Wright.

July 2008: Obama Repeats on Vanity Fair Best Dressed List

In July 2008, Michelle Obama once again appeared on the Vanity Fair international best dressed list, solidifying her status as a fashion icon. She also appeared on the 2008 People list of best-dressed women and was praised by the magazine for her "classic and confident" look.

2008: Speech at the Democratic National Convention

During her speech at the 2008 Democratic National Convention, Michelle Obama sought to portray herself and her family as the embodiment of the American Dream. She emphasized values such as hard work, integrity, and respect. Her keynote address was largely well-received, and her favorability among Americans reached 55%.

2008: Comments on Future Family Plans

In 2008, Michelle Obama stated in an interview on 'The Ellen DeGeneres Show' that she and Barack Obama did not plan to have any more children. The Obamas received advice from past first ladies on raising children in the White House.

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March 2009: Vogue Cover Appearance

In March 2009, Michelle Obama appeared on the cover and in a photo spread in Vogue magazine. This marked her first appearance on the cover of Vogue, following a tradition among first ladies since Lou Hoover.

April 1, 2009: Obama Meets Queen Elizabeth II

On April 1, 2009, Michelle Obama met with Queen Elizabeth II in Buckingham Palace. Obama embraced the Queen before attending an event with world leaders. While Obama praised the Queen, the hug sparked controversy due to it potentially being a breach of royal protocol.

April 2009: Obama's First Trip Abroad as First Lady

During Michelle Obama's first trip abroad in April 2009, she toured a cancer ward with Sarah Brown, the wife of British Prime Minister Gordon Brown. Newsweek described her first trip abroad as an exhibition of her "star power", while MSN highlighted her sartorial elegance. The Obamas' meeting with Queen Elizabeth II also garnered attention, with some American and British media outlets questioning whether Michelle Obama touching the Queen's back during a reception was a breach of royal etiquette. Palace sources, however, denied any breach occurred.

May 2009: Obama Delivers Commencement Speech at UC Merced

In May 2009, Michelle Obama delivered the commencement speech at a graduating ceremony at UC Merced in Merced County, California. Her address was well-received by students, who found her relatable. A journalist from the San Francisco Chronicle noted a strong connection between Obama and the students.

2009: Potential Impact on View of African Americans

At the time of her husband's election, some sources anticipated that Michelle Obama's role as a high-profile African-American woman in a stable marriage would positively influence the world's perception of African Americans. While her fashion choices were part of the 2009 Fashion week, Obama's influence in the field did not have the anticipated impact on the number of African-American models participating in the fashion industry.

2009: Attends Churches in Washington D.C.

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. Michelle Obama encouraged political awareness in church settings.

April 2010: Obama's First Solo Visit to Mexico

In April 2010, Michelle Obama traveled to Mexico, marking her first solo international visit. During her trip, Obama addressed students, encouraging them to take responsibility for their futures. She highlighted the potential found in underprivileged children, citing herself and her husband as examples.

2010: Obama's Style and Influence

In 2010, Michelle Obama's style was described as "fashion populist". She wore clothes from over fifty design companies, including both high-end and less expensive brands like J.Crew and Target. A study that year found that her patronage was worth an average of $14 million to a company. She became a fashion trendsetter, known for favoring sleeveless dresses and wearing clothes by African designers.

June 2011: Obama's Second Official Trip to Africa

In June 2011, Michelle Obama embarked on her second official trip to Africa, touring Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Botswana, and meeting with Graça Machel. She participated in various community events across the foreign countries. White House staff noted that her trip would contribute to her husband's foreign policy agenda.

August 2011: Better Homes and Gardens Cover

In August 2011, Michelle Obama became the first woman ever to appear on the cover of Better Homes and Gardens magazine, and the first person in 48 years to be featured.

2012: Ancestry Research Findings

In 2012, research revealed that Michelle Obama's great-great-great-grandmother, Melvinia Dosey Shields, was born into slavery in South Carolina. DNA evidence suggested that Melvinia's son was likely fathered by the son of her master.

August 2013: Obama Attends 50th Anniversary of March on Washington

In August 2013, Michelle Obama attended the 50th anniversary ceremony for the March on Washington at the Lincoln Memorial. Her attire, a black sleeveless dress with red flowers designed by Tracy Reese, garnered positive attention. Tracy Reese expressed honor that the First Lady chose to wear one of her designs for such a significant historical event.

2013: Academy Award Announcement

In 2013, during the 85th Academy Awards, Michelle Obama became the first First Lady to announce the winner of an Oscar for Best Picture, which was awarded to Argo.

March 2014: Obama Visits China with Family

In March 2014, Michelle Obama traveled to China with her daughters Malia and Sasha, and her mother Marian Robinson. She met with Peng Liyuan, the wife of Chinese president Xi Jinping, visited historical and cultural sites, as well as a university and two high schools. The purpose of the visit, according to Deputy National Security Adviser Ben Rhodes, was to symbolize that the relationship between the United States and China extends beyond just leaders, encompassing the people of both nations.

January 2015: Obama Travels to Saudi Arabia

In January 2015, Michelle Obama traveled to Saudi Arabia with her husband following the death of King Abdullah. She faced criticism for not covering her head, a requirement for women in Saudi Arabia, but was also defended as a foreigner not bound by those customs. During the visit, King Salman did not greet or acknowledge Obama.

March 2015: Obama Commemorates Selma to Montgomery Marches Anniversary

In March 2015, Michelle Obama traveled to Selma, Alabama, with her family to commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of the Selma to Montgomery marches. Following President Obama's remarks, the Obamas joined original marchers, including John Lewis, in crossing the Edmund Pettus Bridge.

June 2015: Obama's Trip to London and Italy

In June 2015, Michelle Obama undertook a weeklong trip to London and three Italian cities. In London, she spoke with students about international education for adolescent girls and met with British Prime Minister David Cameron and Prince Harry. Her daughters and mother joined her. She advanced her initiative for international education for women by speaking at the 2015 World Innovation Summit for Education for her "Let Girls Learn" initiative in Doha, Qatar.

July 2015: Obama Visits Coachella Valley

In July 2015, Michelle Obama visited Coachella Valley while in Los Angeles for that year's Special Olympics World Games.

October 2015: Obama and Prince Harry Visit Military Base

In October 2015, Michelle Obama was joined by Jill Biden and Prince Harry in visiting a military base in Fort Belvoir, Virginia, as part of Prince Harry's effort to raise awareness for programs supporting injured service members.

December 2015: Obama Visits Families of Terrorist Attack Victims

In December 2015, Michelle Obama traveled with her husband to San Bernardino, California, to meet with the families of the victims of a terrorist attack that occurred two weeks prior.

March 2016: Obama Visits Cuba and Argentina

In March 2016, Michelle Obama accompanied her husband and children to Cuba in a trip seen by the administration as having the potential to positively impact relations between the country and America. Later that month, the family traveled to Argentina and met with Argentine president Mauricio Macri.

December 2016: Vogue Cover Appearance

In December 2016, Michelle Obama appeared for a second time on the cover of Vogue magazine, with photographs by Annie Leibovitz, while still serving as First Lady.

April 2018: No Presidential Run

In April 2018, Michelle Obama responded to speculation about a potential presidential run by stating that she has "never had the passion for politics" and emphasized the availability of other women inclined towards politics.

January 2, 2021: Encouraging Georgia Residents to Vote

On January 2, 2021, Michelle Obama encouraged Georgia residents to vote in the state's runoff in the U.S. Senate election and advised them to contact VoteRiders to ensure they had the necessary ID to vote.

January 20, 2021: Inauguration Attendance

On January 20, 2021, Michelle Obama and her husband attended the inauguration of Joe Biden. Michelle Obama wore a matching plum coat, sweater, pants, and belt designed by Sergio Hudson.

September 11, 2021: 9/11 Memorial Attendance

On September 11, 2021, Michelle Obama and Barack Obama attended a 9/11 memorial to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the attacks.

2021: Moving Toward Retirement

In 2021, Michelle Obama announced that she has been 'moving toward retirement', reducing her workload to spend more time with her husband while remaining active in political campaigns.

April 28, 2023: Performance with Bruce Springsteen

On April 28, 2023, Michelle Obama, along with Kate Capshaw, joined Bruce Springsteen on stage in Barcelona, providing backing vocals and tambourine on Springsteen's song "Glory Days".

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March 2024: No Presidential Candidacy

In March 2024, Michelle Obama's office announced that she would not be running for president in the 2024 United States presidential election, amidst media speculation over President Biden's candidacy.

July 2, 2024: Reuters/Ipsos Poll Results

According to a Reuters/Ipsos public opinion poll released on July 2, 2024, Michelle Obama was the only listed Democrat option who would defeat Trump in a head-to-head confrontation, with 50% of the votes for Obama versus 39% for Trump. Additionally, 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 the penultimate address on the second night of the 2024 Democratic National Convention and then introduced her husband, former president Barack Obama. Her speech was described by The New York Times as "electrifying."