History of Michelle Obama in Timeline
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.
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.
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.
1982: Siena College Research Institute Survey
Since 1982, the Siena College Research Institute has been conducting surveys to assess American first ladies according to a cumulative score on the independent criteria of their background, value to the country, intelligence, courage, accomplishments, integrity, leadership, being their own women, public image, and value to the president.
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.
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: 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.
1993: Executive Director at Public Allies
In 1993, Michelle Obama became the executive director for the Chicago office of Public Allies. She worked there for nearly four years, setting fundraising records and finding fulfillment in the role.
1993: Voluntary Inactive Law License Status
Since 1993, Michelle Obama has kept her law license on a voluntary inactive status as it is no longer necessary for her work. She initially worked on marketing and intellectual property law at Sidley & Austin.
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: Barack Obama Elected to State Senate
In 1996, Barack Obama was elected to the state senate. During this time, the Obama family resided on Chicago's South Side.
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.
2000: Campaigning for US House of Representatives
In 2000, while campaigning for her husband's run for the United States House of Representatives, Michelle Obama told her boss at the University of Chicago that she enjoyed visiting living rooms for decorating ideas. She opposed his run and preferred him to focus on the family's financial needs after his defeat.
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.
2002: Joins University of Chicago Hospitals
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. The family chose to maintain their residence in Chicago for the benefit of their daughters.
May 2005: VP for Community and External Affairs
In May 2005, Michelle Obama became the vice president for community and external affairs at the University of Chicago Medical Center.
2005: Trump's audio recording
In October 2016, Michelle Obama heavily criticized Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump for his statements in a 2005 audio recording during a Clinton rally in Manchester, New Hampshire.
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.
2006: Income Disclosed
In 2006, according to the couple's income tax return, Michelle Obama's salary from the University of Chicago Hospitals was $273,618. The Obamas' total income was $991,296, including her earnings as a board member of TreeHouse Foods and royalties from Barack's books.
May 14, 2007: Criticism of Wal-Mart's Labor Policies
On May 14, 2007, Barack Obama criticized Wal-Mart's labor policies at an AFL-CIO forum. Michelle Obama was a salaried board member of TreeHouse Foods, a major Wal-Mart supplier, until shortly after her husband announced his candidacy for the presidency.
May 2007: Reduced professional responsibilities
In May 2007, three months after her husband declared his presidential candidacy, Michelle Obama reduced her professional responsibilities by 80 percent to support his presidential campaign.
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.
February 2008: Increased campaign participation
By early February 2008, Michelle Obama's participation in her husband's presidential campaign had increased significantly, attending thirty-three events in eight days. She also made several campaign appearances with Oprah Winfrey and wrote her own stump speeches.
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.
October 6, 2008: Interviews on Larry King and The Daily Show
On October 6, 2008, Michelle Obama was interviewed by Larry King, where she discussed the Bradley effect and her husband's nomination. The same night, she was interviewed by Jon Stewart on The Daily Show, where she deflected criticism of her husband and his campaign.
2008: Trump Attempts to Revive Past Comments Obama Made
A week after Michelle Obama criticized Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump in October 2016, Trump attempted to revive past comments Obama made in regard to Hillary Clinton during the 2008 presidential election.
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: Campaigns for Husband's Presidential Campaign
In 2008, Michelle Obama campaigned for her husband Barack Obama's presidential campaign. Her active role marked a significant step in her public life.
2008: Reduces Work for Campaign
In 2008, Michelle Obama cut back to part-time at the University of Chicago Hospitals and took a leave of absence to spend time with her daughters and work for her husband's election campaign.
2008: Criticism of Focus on Fashion
In 2008, Michelle Obama faced criticism from the media for focusing more on her fashion sense than on her serious contributions and issues of concern to military and working families. Bonnie Erbé argued that Obama's publicists were emphasizing style over substance.
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.
2008: Time's Woman of the Year
In 2008, Michelle Obama was named Woman of the Year by Time Magazine retroactively in 2020.
2008: Commitment to Family During Campaign
In 2008, during Barack Obama's campaign for U.S. president, Michelle Obama made a commitment to limit her travel to be home for her daughters, highlighting her dedication to family.
2008: Obama Boasts Husband's Record on LGBT Rights
In 2008, during the U.S. presidential campaign, Michelle Obama touted her husband's record on LGBT rights to gay Democratic groups, highlighting his support for various acts and policies. These included the Illinois Human Rights Act, the Illinois gender violence act, the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, repealing the "Don't Ask Don't Tell" policy, full repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act, civil unions, hate crimes protection for sexual orientation and gender identity, and renewed efforts to combat HIV and AIDS. Obama also mentioned their opposition to amendments banning same-sex marriage at the federal level and in California and Florida constitutions, and praised the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Lawrence v. Texas, drawing parallels between the gay rights movement and the civil rights movement.
2008: Softening of public image during campaign trail
In 2008, media outlets observed that Michelle Obama's presence on the campaign trail had grown softer, focusing on soliciting concerns and empathizing with the audience. She gave interviews to shows such as The View and publications like Ladies' Home Journal, and her fashion choices became more informal.
2008: Obama Encourages Voter Turnout
In 2014, Michelle Obama encouraged voters to be as "hungry as you were back in 2008" in a video to promote voter turnout.
2008: Kristen Jarvis served as aide
Kristen Jarvis served as a key aide from 2008 until 2015, when she left to become chief of staff to the Ford Foundation president Darren Walker.
2008: Improved image since 2008 presidential run
Michelle Obama was seen as having improved her image since 2008, when her husband first ran for the presidency, although she was considered a polarizing figure. Her fashion style changed over the course of the campaign to be sensitive and economical.
2008: Campaign for presidency
Michelle Obama was very active on the 2008 presidential campaign for her husband.
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: Highest favorability rating since April 2009
After Michelle Obama's speech at the 2012 Democratic National Convention, a CBS News/New York Times poll conducted in September found that she had a 61% favorably rating with registered voters, the highest percentage she had polled since April 2009.
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.
June 5, 2009: Chief of staff replacement
On June 5, 2009, the White House announced that Michelle Obama was replacing her then chief of staff, Jackie Norris, with Susan Sher, a longtime friend and adviser. Norris became a senior adviser to the Corporation for National and Community Service.
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: Advocating for policy priorities
In 2009, Michelle Obama advocated for her husband's policy priorities by promoting bills that supported them. She hosted a White House reception for women's rights advocates in celebration of the enactment of the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act and supported the economic stimulus bill.
2009: Named Most Fascinating Person of the Year
In 2009, Michelle Obama was named Barbara Walters's Most Fascinating Person of the year. Her four primary initiatives as first lady were Let's Move!, Reach Higher, Let Girls Learn, and Joining Forces.
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.
January 2010: Lead role in "Let's Move!" 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.
January 2010: Speculation of Obama Campaigning in Midterm Elections
In January 2010, while no consensus was made, there was speculation of Michelle Obama campaigning for democratic candidates in the 2010 midterm elections due to her high approval ratings.
February 9, 2010: Announcement of Let's Move!
On February 9, 2010, Michelle Obama announced the Let's Move! initiative, and President Barack Obama created the Task Force on Childhood Obesity to review current programs and create a national plan for change.
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.
October 2010: Obama Campaigns for Democratic Candidates
In October 2010, Michelle Obama toured seven states in two weeks, campaigning for Democratic candidates in the midterm elections. Aides noted that while the White House considered her involvement essential, she would not engage deeply in political discussions or public disputes with Republicans. Despite her efforts, only six of the thirteen candidates she supported won their elections.
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.
September 20, 2011: Obama Includes Openly Gay Service Members in Initiative
On September 20, 2011, following the repeal of "Don't Ask Don't Tell," Michelle Obama incorporated openly gay service members into her national military families initiative.
2011: More politically active
In 2011, Michelle Obama became more politically active than she had been since the 2008 election, though she avoided discussions about the re-election bid.
April 2012: Awarded Jerald Washington Memorial Founders' Award
In April 2012, Michelle Obama and her husband were awarded the Jerald Washington Memorial Founders' Award by the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans (NCHV) for their advocacy for homeless veterans.
May 9, 2012: Obamas Publicly Support Same-Sex Marriage
On May 9, 2012, Barack and Michelle Obama publicly announced their support for same-sex marriage. Prior to this date, Michelle Obama had not publicly stated her position on the issue. It was reported that Michelle Obama and Senior Adviser Valerie Jarrett were strong advocates for same-sex marriage in Barack Obama's life.
2012: Speech at the Democratic National Convention
After Michelle Obama's speech at the 2012 Democratic National Convention, a CBS News/New York Times poll conducted in September found that she had a 61% favorably rating with registered voters, the highest percentage she had polled since April 2009.
2012: Michelle Obama Speaks at the DNC
At the 2012 Democratic National Convention (DNC), Michelle Obama spoke about Barack's understanding of the American Dream and his desire for everyone in the country to have the same opportunities, regardless of their background or who they love.
2012: Campaigns for Husband's Re-election Campaign
In 2012, Michelle Obama actively campaigned for her husband Barack Obama's re-election to the presidency. Her involvement highlighted her continued support and influence in his political career.
2012: Appealing to female voters
In 2012, Michelle Obama aimed to humanize her husband by relating stories about him, attempting to appeal to female voters in swing states. Her favorability ratings remained higher than Ann Romney's, but comparisons between Obama and Romney were repeatedly made by the media until the election.
2012: iCarly Guest Appearance
In 2012, Michelle Obama made a guest appearance on the TV show iCarly, portraying herself.
2012: Publication of "American Grown"
In 2012, Michelle Obama published "American Grown: The Story of the White House Kitchen Garden and Gardens Across America", based on her experiences with the garden and promoting healthy eating.
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.
2012: Obama Encourages Voter Turnout
In 2014, Michelle Obama encouraged voters to be as "hungry as you were back in 2012" in a video to promote voter turnout.
2012: Campaigning for her husband's re-election
Michelle Obama campaigned for her husband's re-election in 2012, during which she had developed a more open public image. Some commentators viewed her as the most popular member of the Obama administration, with her poll approval numbers remaining high. She took an active role in the re-election campaign.
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.
November 2013: Criticism of Michelle Obama
In November 2013, a Politico article by Michelle Cottle accused Michelle Obama of being a "feminist nightmare" for not using her position to advocate for women's issues. Cottle's critiques and the article were sharply criticized across the political spectrum.
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.
May 2014: Joined the #bringbackourgirls campaign
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: Obama's High Approval Rating in CNN Poll
In May 2014, a CNN poll revealed that Michelle Obama had a 61% favorable approval rating, significantly higher than her husband's 43%. This level of popularity was theorized to potentially result in greater support for Democratic candidates she campaigned for during the 2014 midterm elections.
October 2014: Rand Paul linked Michelle Obama's Twitter account when announcing on the website that he was going to Dunkin' Donuts
In October 2014, senator Rand Paul linked to Michelle Obama's Twitter account when announcing on the website that he was going to Dunkin' Donuts.
2014: Parks and Recreation Guest Appearance
In 2014, Michelle Obama made a guest appearance on the TV show Parks and Recreation, portraying herself.
2014: Siena College Ranking
In 2014, Michelle Obama was ranked 5th-best out of 39 American first ladies in a survey conducted by the Siena College Research Institute, which assessed first ladies based on various criteria.
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.
May 2015: Poll on potential presidential run
A May 2015 Rasmussen poll found Michelle Obama had 22% of support to Hillary Clinton's 56% of winning the Democratic nomination. Another poll that month found that 71% of Americans believed Obama should not run for the presidency.
May 2015: Again Honored with the Jerald Washington Memorial Founders' Award
In May 2015, Michelle Obama was again honored with the Jerald Washington Memorial Founders' Award, accepting with Jill Biden.
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.
2015: Kristen Jarvis left aide position
Kristen Jarvis served as a key aide from 2008 until 2015, when she left to become chief of staff to the Ford Foundation president Darren Walker.
January 14, 2016: President Obama denies Michelle will run
On January 14, 2016, President Obama stated during a town-hall meeting that Michelle Obama would not run for president.
January 2016: Chris Christie criticized Michelle Obama's involvement with healthy eating
In January 2016, Chris Christie, Republican governor of New Jersey and presidential candidate, criticized the first lady's involvement with healthy eating while he was campaigning in Iowa, arguing that she was using the government to exercise her views on eating.
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.
March 16, 2016: Michelle Obama denies running for office
On March 16, 2016, Michelle Obama denied that she would ever run for office, citing a desire to "impact as many people as possible in an unbiased way".
October 13, 2016: Obama Criticizes Donald Trump
On October 13, 2016, Michelle Obama heavily criticized Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump for his statements in a 2005 audio recording during a Clinton rally in Manchester, New Hampshire.
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.
2016: NCIS Guest Appearance
In 2016, Michelle Obama made a guest appearance on the TV show NCIS, portraying herself.
May 2017: Rebuking Trump Administration
In May 2017, Michelle Obama rebuked the Trump administration for its delay of a federal requirement designed to increase the nutritional standards for school lunches, during an appearance at the Partnership for a Healthier America conference.
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.
November 2018: Becoming Release
Michelle Obama's memoir, Becoming, was released in November 2018.
2018: Publication of 'Becoming'
In 2018, Michelle Obama released her memoir, 'Becoming'. The book became a New York Times best-seller, reflecting her impact and influence as a public figure.
2018: Most Admired Woman
In 2018, Michelle Obama topped the Gallup poll asking who is the "most admired woman" in the U.S.
November 2019: Becoming Sales
By November 2019, Michelle Obama's memoir, Becoming, had sold 11.5 million copies.
2019: Most Admired Woman
In 2019, Michelle Obama topped the Gallup poll asking who is the "most admired woman" in the U.S.
May 6, 2020: Becoming Documentary Release
On May 6, 2020, a documentary titled Becoming, which chronicles Michelle Obama's book tour promoting her memoir, 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: Production of Crip Camp
In 2020, Michelle Obama produced the documentary film Crip Camp.
2020: Most Admired Woman
In 2020, Michelle Obama topped the Gallup poll asking who is the "most admired woman" in the U.S.
2020: Siena College Ranking
In 2020, Michelle Obama was ranked 3rd-best out of 40 American first ladies in a survey conducted by the Siena College Research Institute, which assessed first ladies based on various criteria.
2020: Time's Woman of the Year
In 2020, Time magazine retroactively named Michelle Obama as the Woman of the Year for 2008, as part of a review to include historically deserving women in years when a man had been named Person of the Year.
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.
February 2021: Executive Producer of Waffles + Mochi
In February 2021, Michelle Obama was announced as an executive producer and presenter on a children's cooking show, Waffles + Mochi.
March 16, 2021: Waffles + Mochi Release
On March 16, 2021, Waffles + Mochi, a children's cooking show on which Michelle Obama serves as an executive producer and presenter, was released by Netflix.
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.
July 21, 2022: Announcement of The Light We Carry
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.
November 2022: The Light We Carry 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.
2022: Publication of 'The Light We Carry'
In 2022, Michelle Obama published 'The Light We Carry'. This book adds to her body of work as an author and thought leader.
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".
November 2023: BBC's 100 Women List
In November 2023, Michelle Obama was named to the BBC's 100 Women list.
2023: Michelle Obama: The Light Podcast
In 2023, Michelle Obama created Michelle Obama: The Light Podcast based on topics in her 2022 book The Light We Carry and featured conversations held during her live book tour.
2023: Production of Rustin
In 2023, Michelle Obama produced the biographical drama film Rustin.
2023: Emmy Nomination for The Light We Carry
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 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."
2024: Marian Shields Robinson died
In 2024, Marian Shields Robinson, Michelle Obama's mother, passed away. She was a key figure in Michelle's life and upbringing.
March 2025: IMO Podcast Launch
In March 2025, Michelle Obama launched the podcast IMO with her brother Craig Robinson.
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