african memories

“queen of our world”

Flowsa.com: On June 22, 2011, I walked into the Regina Mundi church in Soweto …. to find myself among thousands who had gathered to hear an address by the US First Lady, Michelle Obama. How lucky was I? …

…. Slowly the choir rose and began to sing …. The audience began to sing along ….. Graça Machel, wife of former South African president Nelson Mandela, delivered the most beautiful introduction … “We welcome you as a daughter of African heritage, and we can call you the queen of our world,” said Machel. I agree; Michelle Obama may definitely be the current queen of our world!

… As she approached the stage, holding clasped hands to her chest while fighting back tears, one could see she was moved by her introduction and welcoming…..

Her speech drew on the history of Regina Mundi, which means ”queen of the world” in Latin, paying tribute to leaders of the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa and the civil rights movement in the US, urging the young women in the audience to follow their example.

“The young people of this continent – you are the heirs of that blood, sweat, sacrifice and love,” she said. At this point in time I was holding back tears.

….For 45 minutes Michelle Obama spoke with conviction, passion, elegance and grace that moved me and many other women to tears. Her speech was beautifully inspiring.

She concluded with the famous slogan from her husband’s 2008 campaign to inspire and urge young women to become proactive members of change for women empowerment in Africa. “If anyone ever tells you that you shouldn’t or you can’t, then I want you to say with one voice – the voice of a generation – you tell them, ‘yes, we can’,” she said.

Yes, I can too!

This concluded one of the most inspirationally-moving speeches I have ever heard….

Full post here

Thank you SouthernGirl2 (3ChicsPolitico)

more from africa

in her own words….

News24

Thank you evonnc

Sorry I wasn’t able to be around much today, but see you all tomorrow 😉

a week to remember

homeward bound

First lady Michelle Obama waves as she boards her plane in Gaborone, Botswana, at the end of her week long trip to Africa, June 26. The first lady left Botswana Sunday morning, she is due to arrive at the White House early Monday.

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See you all later today 😉

more images from botswana

Thank you N for the link to the photos – see more here

botswana, saturday (updated)

First lady Michelle Obama and daughter Sasha make an unscheduled stop at Borakanelo, a favorite local restaurant, in the village of Mochudi, Botswana, June 25

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First lady Michelle Obama, daughters Sasha and Malia, mother Marian Robinson, niece Leslie Robinson and nephew Avery Robinson during a safari in Madikwe Game Reserve

First lady Michelle Obama and daughters Sasha and Malia react as they see an elephant, off camera, during a safari in Madikwe Game Reserve

night everyone

President Barack Obama jokes with military personnel along a tarmac ropeline before boarding Air Force One at Pittsburgh International Airport in Pittsburgh, Pa., June 24, 2011. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

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The First Lady in Africa:

Saturday – Gaborone, Botswana: Mrs. Obama is beginning her day by thanking U.S. Embassy employees and their families. Following this event, Mrs. Obama and her family are departing for a family safari.

Sunday – Gaborone, Botswana: Mrs. Obama and her family are departing Gaborone, Botswana at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport.

the first lady in africa

Three more videos from the White House YouTube channel:

And P found this one: