Michelle Obama's memoir "Becoming" is an inspiring and deeply personal account of her life's journey, from her humble beginnings on Chicago's South Side to her role as First Lady of the United States. This book offers readers an intimate look into the experiences that shaped her character, her relationships, and her vision for a better world.
Introduction
Michelle Obama's story begins with a vivid memory from her childhood: the sound of piano keys plinking in the apartment below hers. This sound, emanating from her great-aunt Robbie's piano lessons, became synonymous with ambition in young Michelle's mind. It was a constant reminder of the importance of hard work and perseverance, values that would shape her entire life.
Growing up in a close-knit family on Chicago's South Side in the late 1960s, Michelle was surrounded by love, music, and a strong sense of community. Her parents, Fraser and Marian Robinson, instilled in her and her older brother Craig the importance of education and the value of hard work. Despite the political turmoil and social unrest of the time, Michelle's early years were marked by a sense of security and possibility.
An Ambitious Beginning
From a young age, Michelle displayed a fierce determination to excel. Her first foray into this world of ambition came in the form of piano lessons with her great-aunt Robbie. Despite Robbie's strict demeanor and high expectations, Michelle was eager to learn and quick to progress. This early experience taught her the value of discipline and the rewards of hard work.
Music played a significant role in Michelle's childhood. Her father's love for jazz filled their home with the sounds of Ella Fitzgerald, John Coltrane, and Miles Davis. These musical influences would stay with her throughout her life, shaping her appreciation for art and culture.
Michelle's first public performance at a piano recital demonstrated both her determination and the support she received from her family. When she froze on stage, unable to find the middle C on an unfamiliar piano, her great-aunt Robbie calmly came to her rescue. This moment exemplified the blend of high expectations and unwavering support that characterized Michelle's upbringing.
Learning Confidence
As Michelle progressed through school, she continued to strive for excellence. Her mother's advocacy played a crucial role in ensuring she received the education she deserved. When Michelle found herself in a chaotic second-grade classroom, her mother intervened, having her tested and moved to a more challenging third-grade class. This experience taught Michelle the importance of speaking up for oneself and the power of parental advocacy in education.
Michelle's academic prowess eventually earned her a spot at Whitney M. Young High School, a selective school that drew high-performing students from across Chicago. This new environment exposed her to a diverse group of peers, including those from more affluent backgrounds. While this presented some initial challenges in fitting in, it also broadened her horizons and prepared her for future experiences in diverse settings.
During her high school years, Michelle formed a close friendship with Santita Jackson, daughter of civil rights leader Jesse Jackson. This friendship provided Michelle with her first glimpse into the world of politics. However, the chaotic nature of the Jackson household and the demands of political life did not appeal to Michelle, who preferred order and stability.
As she progressed through high school, Michelle's confidence grew along with her academic achievements. She took on leadership roles, including class treasurer, and was on track to graduate in the top 10 percent of her class. This growing self-assurance led her to set her sights on Princeton University, despite discouragement from her guidance counselor. Michelle's determination paid off, and she was accepted to Princeton, marking a significant milestone in her educational journey.
New School, New Role Model
Michelle's arrival at Princeton University marked a significant transition in her life. As one of the few Black students on campus, she initially felt out of place. However, she found a supportive community through the Third World Center (TWC), an organization that provided resources and support for minority students.
It was at the TWC that Michelle met Czerny Brasuell, a dynamic and inspiring Black woman who became an important mentor. Czerny's energy, confidence, and ability to balance her professional life with single motherhood left a lasting impression on Michelle. Observing Czerny navigate the bustling streets of New York City with ease, Michelle learned valuable lessons about confidence and adaptability.
Michelle's experiences at Princeton, including her work with the TWC and her interactions with Czerny, helped shape her aspirations for the future. She began to envision herself as a working mother, capable of balancing a challenging career with family life. These experiences also reinforced her commitment to community service and social justice, themes that would remain central to her life's work.
A Date to Remember
After completing her law degree at Harvard, Michelle returned to Chicago to work at the prestigious law firm Sidley & Austin. It was here that she met Barack Obama, a young law student who would eventually become her husband and the 44th President of the United States.
Initially skeptical of the praise heaped upon Barack by his professors and colleagues, Michelle soon found herself drawn to his confidence, intelligence, and commitment to social change. Their first date, which included a visit to the Art Institute of Chicago, a walk through the city, and their first kiss outside an ice cream shop, marked the beginning of a partnership that would change both of their lives – and the course of history.
Barack's different approach to life and career – prioritizing public service over financial gain – challenged Michelle's own career assumptions. His passion for community organizing and desire to make a difference in people's lives inspired Michelle to reconsider her own professional path.
Changes and Loss
As Michelle and Barack's relationship deepened, they faced the challenges of a long-distance relationship while Barack completed his studies at Harvard. During this time, Michelle experienced a profound loss with the death of her father, Fraser Robinson, from complications related to multiple sclerosis. This loss was a turning point in Michelle's life, reinforcing the importance of family and the preciousness of time.
Following Barack's return to Chicago, Michelle began to reassess her career goals. Realizing that corporate law did not align with her desire to make a direct impact on people's lives, she sought out opportunities in public service. With the help of her new mentor, Valerie Jarrett, Michelle transitioned to a role in the Chicago mayor's office.
This period also saw Michelle and Barack's marriage in 1992 and Barack's involvement in voter registration efforts through Project VOTE! Michelle found her calling as the executive director of Public Allies, a nonprofit organization that connected young people with mentors in the public sector. This role allowed her to combine her professional skills with her passion for community service and youth development.
Uneasy Approval
As Barack's political career began to take shape, Michelle found herself grappling with mixed emotions. She witnessed firsthand Barack's ability to inspire and mobilize communities, as demonstrated during a community meeting in Chicago's South Side. However, she also harbored reservations about the world of politics and its potential impact on their family life.
When Barack was approached about running for the Illinois State Senate, Michelle was initially skeptical. She worried about the toll it would take on their family and questioned whether political office was the most effective way for Barack to make a difference. Despite her reservations, Michelle ultimately gave her approval, recognizing Barack's genuine desire to create positive change.
This decision marked a significant turning point in their lives, setting them on a path that would eventually lead to the White House. Michelle's initial unease with politics would be a recurring theme throughout their journey, as she continually sought to balance her support for Barack's ambitions with her concerns for their family's well-being and her own personal goals.
The Dark Side of Politics
As Barack's political career advanced, Michelle encountered firsthand the harsh realities of life in the public eye. The personal attacks and baseless accusations that came with political campaigns were particularly difficult for Michelle to navigate, given her tendency to take criticism to heart.
A pivotal moment came during Barack's campaign for the U.S. House of Representatives in 1999. When Barack missed an important vote on gun control legislation to stay with their sick infant daughter in Hawaii, his political opponents launched vicious personal attacks. These attacks, which questioned Barack's commitment and even his racial identity, deeply hurt Michelle and highlighted the cruel nature of political discourse.
Despite these challenges, the Obama family continued to grow and thrive. The birth of their second daughter, Sasha, in 2001 brought joy and new perspective to their lives. However, the demands of Barack's political career continued to put strain on their family life, leading the couple to seek marriage counseling to navigate these challenges.
A Change of Heart
As Barack's political star continued to rise, Michelle found herself reluctantly drawn into the world of national politics. When Barack considered running for the U.S. Senate, Michelle gave her approval with the condition that if he lost, he would leave politics behind. However, fate had other plans, and Barack's path to the Senate was cleared when his Republican opponent dropped out of the race.
The turning point in Michelle's attitude towards politics came during the 2004 Democratic National Convention, where Barack delivered a keynote speech that catapulted him to national prominence. Witnessing the powerful impact of Barack's words on the American public, Michelle began to see the potential for real change through political engagement.
When Barack announced his candidacy for president in 2007, Michelle was initially overwhelmed by the scale of public support. However, she soon embraced her role in the campaign, recognizing the responsibility they had to the thousands of Americans who saw Barack as a beacon of hope. This shift in perspective marked the beginning of Michelle's transformation from a reluctant political spouse to an active and influential First Lady.
Fighting for Normalcy
The 2008 presidential campaign brought unprecedented changes to the Obama family's life. With constant travel, intense media scrutiny, and heightened security measures, maintaining a sense of normalcy became a significant challenge, particularly for their young daughters, Malia and Sasha.
Michelle made it her mission to shield her children from the more disruptive aspects of campaign life and to ensure that they had as normal a childhood as possible. She was impressed by her daughters' resilience and ability to find joy in the unique experiences that came with their father's campaign.
Once in the White House, Michelle faced the challenge of creating a home within the formal and restrictive environment of the presidential residence. She worked to make the White House a welcoming place for her children, encouraging them to treat it as their home despite its grandeur and the constant presence of staff and security.
Michelle's efforts to maintain normalcy extended to arranging playdates for her daughters and ensuring they had opportunities for typical childhood experiences. A poignant moment came when she observed Sasha and Malia sledding on the South Lawn of the White House, a sign that they were adapting to their extraordinary circumstances while still enjoying the simple pleasures of childhood.
A First Lady
As First Lady, Michelle Obama faced the unique challenge of defining her role in a position that comes with no official job description. Aware of the intense scrutiny she would face as the first African-American First Lady, Michelle carefully considered how to use her platform to make a meaningful impact.
Taking advice from former First Lady Hillary Clinton, Michelle chose to focus on initiatives that complemented the administration's policies without directly involving herself in policymaking. Her first major initiative, Let's Move!, aimed to address the issue of childhood obesity through promoting healthy eating and physical activity.
A cornerstone of this initiative was the creation of the White House Kitchen Garden. This project not only promoted healthy eating but also helped to make the White House feel more like a home. Working alongside local schoolchildren, Michelle planted a variety of vegetables and herbs, yielding an impressive harvest that was used in White House meals and donated to local food banks.
The success of the garden project and the Let's Move! initiative demonstrated Michelle's ability to leverage her role as First Lady to create meaningful change. It also showcased her commitment to issues affecting children and families, a focus that would define much of her work throughout her time in the White House.
A Failed Date and An Ugly Reminder
Life in the White House presented unique challenges for Michelle and Barack's relationship. A well-intentioned attempt at a date night in New York City during their first term turned into a logistical nightmare, highlighting the difficulties of maintaining a sense of normalcy while under constant security and public scrutiny.
More seriously, Michelle had to contend with the ugly side of politics, including persistent and baseless rumors about her husband's birthplace. These rumors not only caused personal distress but also emboldened dangerous individuals, as evidenced by a shooting incident at the White House in 2011.
The bullet mark left on the window of Michelle's reading room served as a stark reminder of the very real dangers they faced. This incident, along with the tragic death of Hadiya Pendleton, a young girl who had performed at Barack's second inauguration and was later killed in Chicago, motivated Michelle to take on gun violence as another key initiative.
Through her efforts, Michelle worked to raise awareness about gun violence and its impact on communities, particularly in urban areas like her hometown of Chicago. She used her platform to advocate for youth programs and opportunities for at-risk kids, demonstrating her commitment to addressing complex social issues beyond the scope of her initial initiatives.
Epilogue
As Michelle Obama reflects on her journey from Chicago's South Side to the White House, she recognizes the personal growth and achievements that have marked her path. Her time as First Lady allowed her to make significant contributions to issues she cared deeply about, from childhood obesity to veterans' employment to girls' education globally.
The Let's Move! initiative brought healthier school lunches to millions of children and engaged millions more in after-school programs. The Joining Forces initiative helped veterans and their spouses find employment opportunities. The Let Girls Learn initiative raised billions of dollars to support girls' education worldwide.
However, for Michelle, her greatest achievement remains her ability to raise two well-adjusted daughters despite the extraordinary circumstances of their lives in the White House. This personal success, balanced with her public achievements, exemplifies Michelle's commitment to both her family and her broader community.
As she looks to the future, Michelle Obama continues to strive for positive change, using her voice and platform to advocate for causes she believes in. Her journey, as detailed in "Becoming," serves as an inspiration to readers, demonstrating the power of perseverance, education, and a commitment to public service.
Key Themes and Lessons from "Becoming"
- The Power of Education and Ambition
Throughout her memoir, Michelle Obama emphasizes the transformative power of education. From her early years on Chicago's South Side to her time at Princeton and Harvard Law School, education played a crucial role in shaping her future. Michelle's story serves as a testament to the importance of academic excellence and the doors it can open, particularly for those from underprivileged backgrounds.
The book also highlights the role of ambition in achieving one's goals. Michelle's drive to excel, instilled in her from a young age, propelled her through challenging times and helped her overcome obstacles. Her journey from a working-class neighborhood to the Ivy League and eventually to the White House exemplifies the potential for upward mobility through hard work and determination.
- The Importance of Family and Community
A central theme in "Becoming" is the significance of family and community support. Michelle's parents, Fraser and Marian Robinson, played pivotal roles in her development, instilling in her the values of hard work, education, and integrity. The close-knit community of Chicago's South Side, with its extended family networks and shared experiences, provided a strong foundation for Michelle's growth.
Throughout her life, Michelle has drawn strength from these familial and community ties. Even as First Lady, she worked to create a sense of home and normalcy for her daughters within the extraordinary environment of the White House. Her initiatives often focused on strengthening communities and supporting families, reflecting her belief in the power of strong social networks.
- Navigating Identity and Belonging
Michelle's experiences as an African-American woman in predominantly white institutions form a significant part of her narrative. From her time at Princeton to her professional life in corporate law and later in the White House, Michelle often found herself navigating spaces where she was one of few people of color. Her journey involves coming to terms with her identity, finding her voice, and learning to belong without compromising who she is.
This theme resonates throughout the book, as Michelle discusses the challenges of being the first African-American First Lady and the scrutiny that came with that role. Her story offers insights into the complexities of race and identity in America and the importance of representation in positions of power.
- Balancing Personal Ambition with Partnership
A significant portion of "Becoming" is devoted to Michelle's relationship with Barack Obama and how their partnership evolved alongside their individual ambitions. Michelle's journey involves reconciling her own career goals with her role as a supportive spouse to a rising political star. The book offers an honest look at the challenges of maintaining a strong marriage amid the pressures of public life and political ambition.
Michelle's evolution from a reluctant political spouse to an influential First Lady in her own right is a central narrative in the book. Her story highlights the complexities of modern partnerships, where both individuals have strong career aspirations and must find ways to support each other's growth.
- The Responsibility of Leadership and Public Service
As Michelle grows into her role as First Lady, she grapples with the responsibilities that come with her position. Her initiatives, such as Let's Move! and Joining Forces, reflect her commitment to using her platform for the greater good. The book emphasizes the importance of public service and the potential for individuals in positions of influence to create positive change.
Michelle's approach to her role as First Lady – focusing on issues she cared deeply about while avoiding direct involvement in policy-making – offers insights into how one can navigate a position of influence effectively. Her story encourages readers to consider how they can contribute to their communities and make a difference in the lives of others.
- Resilience in the Face of Criticism and Adversity
Throughout "Becoming," Michelle discusses the challenges of life in the public eye, including harsh criticism, personal attacks, and the constant scrutiny that comes with political life. Her experiences highlight the importance of resilience and staying true to one's values in the face of adversity.
Michelle's ability to maintain her composure and continue her work despite negative press and baseless rumors serves as an inspiration. Her story teaches valuable lessons about handling criticism gracefully and not allowing others' opinions to deter one from pursuing important goals.
- The Ongoing Process of Personal Growth
The title "Becoming" reflects a central theme of the book: that personal growth is an ongoing process. Michelle's story is one of continuous evolution, from her childhood dreams to her role as First Lady and beyond. She emphasizes that there is no fixed endpoint to one's development and that life is a journey of constant learning and adaptation.
This theme encourages readers to embrace change, seek out new experiences, and continually strive for personal growth. Michelle's openness about her own struggles and moments of self-doubt humanizes her journey and makes her story relatable to readers from all walks of life.
- The Importance of Mentorship and Role Models
Throughout her life, Michelle benefited from the guidance of mentors and role models. From her great-aunt Robbie, who taught her piano, to Czerny Brasuell at Princeton, who showed her what a successful working mother looked like, these influential figures played crucial roles in shaping Michelle's path.
In turn, Michelle's story emphasizes the importance of being a role model for others, particularly for young people. Her initiatives often focused on mentorship and creating opportunities for the next generation, reflecting her belief in the power of positive examples to inspire and guide others.
- Striving for Work-Life Balance
A recurring theme in "Becoming" is the challenge of balancing professional ambitions with personal and family life. Michelle's experiences, from her time as a corporate lawyer to her role as First Lady, highlight the difficulties of maintaining this balance, especially for women.
Her story offers insights into the compromises and adjustments necessary to pursue a demanding career while also prioritizing family. Michelle's honesty about the challenges she faced, including the need for marriage counseling, provides a realistic portrayal of the complexities of modern life and relationships.
- The Power of Authenticity
Throughout her journey, Michelle learns the importance of staying true to herself and her values. From her decision to leave corporate law for a career in public service to her approach as First Lady, Michelle's story emphasizes the power of authenticity.
Her ability to connect with people, whether in small community meetings or on the national stage, stems from her genuine nature and commitment to her beliefs. This authenticity not only made her an effective First Lady but also endeared her to millions of people around the world.
Conclusion
Michelle Obama's "Becoming" is more than just a memoir of a First Lady; it's a deeply personal account of one woman's journey to find her voice and use it to make a difference in the world. From her humble beginnings on Chicago's South Side to her time in the White House, Michelle's story is one of perseverance, growth, and unwavering commitment to her values.
The book offers valuable insights into the challenges and triumphs of public life, the complexities of race and identity in America, and the ongoing process of personal development. Michelle's honesty about her struggles, doubts, and moments of triumph makes her story relatable and inspiring to readers from all walks of life.
Through her initiatives as First Lady and her continued advocacy work, Michelle Obama has left a lasting impact on issues ranging from childhood obesity to veterans' rights to girls' education. Her approach to these challenges, combining empathy, practicality, and a commitment to grassroots engagement, offers a model for effective leadership and public service.
Perhaps most importantly, "Becoming" reinforces the idea that our journeys of personal growth never truly end. As Michelle writes, "For me, becoming isn't about arriving somewhere or achieving a certain aim. I see it instead as forward motion, a means of evolving, a way to reach continuously toward a better self. The journey doesn't end."
This message of continuous growth and the potential for positive change resonates throughout the book, encouraging readers to reflect on their own journeys and consider how they too can strive to make a difference in their communities and the world at large.
In sharing her story with such candor and depth, Michelle Obama not only provides a fascinating look into life in the White House but also offers a powerful testament to the American dream and the potential for individuals to overcome obstacles and achieve greatness. "Becoming" is ultimately a call to action, inspiring readers to embrace their own journeys of becoming and to use their voices and talents to create positive change in the world.