A detailed timeline of the impact and legacy of Michelle Obama across different fields.
Michelle Obama is an American attorney, author, and former First Lady of the United States (2009-2017). Married to Barack Obama, the 44th U.S. President, she is a graduate of Princeton University and Harvard Law School. As First Lady, she championed initiatives focused on health, education, and combating childhood obesity through her 'Let's Move!' campaign. She also advocated for military families and promoted higher education access with 'Reach Higher.' Obama is considered an influential figure and role model, known for her advocacy, style, and public speaking. Post-White House, she released her bestselling memoir, 'Becoming,' and continues to be involved in various philanthropic and public service endeavors.
2008: Time's Woman of the Year
In 2020, Michelle Obama was named Time Magazine's Woman of the Year for 2008 as part of a retroactive selection of historically deserving women for years in which a man had been named Person of the Year.
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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, marking a significant moment in her role as First Lady.
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2009: Influence as a Role Model
In 2009, at the time of her husband's election, Michelle Obama's role as a high-profile African-American woman in a stable marriage was anticipated to positively influence the world's view of African Americans.
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2010: Fashion Influence and Patronage
In 2010, Michelle Obama's fashion choices, including clothes from various designers and more affordable brands, made her a fashion trendsetter. A study found her patronage to be worth an average of $14 million to a company.
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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, marking a unique achievement as First Lady.
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2012: Published American Grown
In 2012, Michelle Obama released the book American Grown: The Story of the White House Kitchen Garden and Gardens Across America, which promotes healthy eating.
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2012: Ancestry Research Findings
In 2012, research based on DNA and other evidence indicated that Michelle Obama's great-great-great-grandmother's son was likely fathered by her master's son.
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2013: Oscar Presentation
In 2013, during the 85th Academy Awards, Michelle Obama became the first First Lady to announce the winner of an Oscar (Best Picture, which went to Argo), marking a historic moment.
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December 2016: Final Vogue Cover as First Lady
In December 2016, Michelle Obama appeared on the cover of Vogue for the final time as First Lady, with photographs by Annie Leibovitz, solidifying her fashion influence.
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November 2018: Becoming Memoir Released
In November 2018, Michelle Obama's memoir, Becoming, was released.
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2018: Most Admired Woman
In 2018, Michelle Obama topped the Gallup poll asking who is the "most admired woman" in the U.S.
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November 2019: Becoming Sales Milestone
By November 2019, Michelle Obama's memoir, Becoming, had sold 11.5 million copies.
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2019: Most Admired Woman
In 2019, Michelle Obama topped the Gallup poll asking who is the "most admired woman" in the U.S.
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May 6, 2020: "Becoming" Documentary Released on Netflix
On May 6, 2020, a documentary titled "Becoming", which chronicles Michelle Obama's book tour promoting the memoir, was released on Netflix.
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2020: Most Admired Woman
In 2020, Michelle Obama topped the Gallup poll asking who is the "most admired woman" in the U.S.
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2020: Time's Woman of the Year for 2008
In 2020, Michelle Obama was named Time Magazine's Woman of the Year for 2008 as part of a retroactive selection of historically deserving women for years in which a man had been named Person of the Year.
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2021: Inducted into National Women's Hall of Fame
In 2021, Michelle Obama was inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame.
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November 2023: Named to BBC's 100 Women List
In November 2023, Michelle Obama was named to the BBC's 100 Women list.
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July 2, 2024: Public Opinion Poll Results Released
On July 2, 2024, a Reuters/Ipsos poll indicated that Michelle Obama was the only listed Democrat option who would defeat Trump in a confrontation, with 50% of the votes for Obama versus 39% for Trump.
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August 20, 2024: Addressed Democratic National Convention
On August 20, 2024, Michelle Obama delivered a speech at the 2024 Democratic National Convention and introduced Barack Obama. The New York Times described her speech as "electrifying".
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