Barrier-Breaking

Harry Belafonte was a barrier-breaking legend who used his platform to lift others up. He lived a good life – transforming the arts while also standing up for civil rights. And he did it all with his signature smile and style. Michelle and I send our love to his wife, kids, and… pic.twitter.com/g77XCr9U5b

— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) April 25, 2023

We Must Keep Going

With the King family marching today, we remember that the fight for voting rights takes perseverance. As Dr. King said, “There are no broad highways to lead us easily and inevitably to quick solutions. We must keep going.” May we honor his memory through action forged in faith. pic.twitter.com/Qn1q4EvXN5

— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) January 17, 2022

Timuel Black

Today, we lost an icon with the passing of Timuel Black. Over his 102 years, Tim was many things: a veteran, historian, author, educator, civil rights leader, and humanitarian. Michelle and I send our thoughts to his family, and everyone who loved him. https://t.co/EDxgIGbZHB

— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) October 13, 2021

Freedom Award

✨ Tonight's #30thFreedomAward honoree and First Lady Michelle Obama accepted the honor on behalf of the generations before us who “led by example,” stood proud and shared values of “honesty, decency, and sacrifice for the greater good.” pic.twitter.com/wiPlFFozry

— NatCivilRightsMuseum (@NCRMuseum) October 15, 2021

✨ #30thFreedomAward honoree Michelle Obama cited lessons learned from Dr. King and others who’ve won the Freedom Award as “the blueprint” to overcome challenges. “Together… oh, we can move mountains.” pic.twitter.com/nCBTpsjCLe

— NatCivilRightsMuseum (@NCRMuseum) October 15, 2021

Quoting civil rights leaders Dr. King & John Lewis, honoree Michelle Obama cited we must not only get into “good trouble” but also understand we are in an “inescapable network of mutuality… a single garment of destiny.” pic.twitter.com/oPfAI67rWV

— NatCivilRightsMuseum (@NCRMuseum) October 15, 2021

Monumental

The Voting Rights Act, signed into law 56 years ago today, was a monumental piece of legislation. But with the Supreme Court and state legislatures making it harder to cast a ballot, we can’t take voting rights for granted.

— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) August 6, 2021

Congress needs to summon the same courage we saw a half century ago when the Voting Rights Act was passed and guarantee every American a voice and a vote.

— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) August 6, 2021

Bob Moses

Bob Moses was a hero of mine. His quiet confidence helped shape the civil rights movement, and he inspired generations of young people looking to make a difference. Michelle and I send our prayers to Janet and the rest of the Moses family.

— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) July 26, 2021

King Of Good Trouble

A year ago today, we lost Congressman John Lewis. As we celebrate the king of good trouble—his legacy of perseverance; his ability to find moments of joy and lightness in the midst of real struggle—we should also recommit ourselves to building the future he envisioned. pic.twitter.com/07nbvnBh9i

— Michelle Obama (@MichelleObama) July 17, 2021

All across our country, the sacred right to vote that he marched and bled for is being threatened. That’s why we’ve got to do everything in our power to pass the #ForThePeopleAct and the #JohnLewis Voting Rights Advancement Act.

— Michelle Obama (@MichelleObama) July 17, 2021

Everyone deserves to have their voices heard and their votes counted, and I can’t think of a better way to honor Congressman Lewis than by turning these bills into law.

— Michelle Obama (@MichelleObama) July 17, 2021

Freedom And Justice

John Lewis and C.T. Vivian loved this country so much that they risked their lives so that it might live up to its promise. They gave all of themselves to the cause of freedom and justice, and inspired generations to follow their example. Now it’s up to us to continue the work. pic.twitter.com/LZNQHqIUAo

— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) July 17, 2021

Nine Days

I want to share this inspiring book about the events leading up to the 1960 election, from Dr. King's imprisonment to student activism in Atlanta to JFK's campaign. It's a story we can all learn from—a story of overlooked heroes and the power each of us has to create change. pic.twitter.com/yIaNJpRq7M

— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) February 19, 2021

Happy Birthday, John Lewis

For decades, John Lewis not only gave all of himself to the cause of freedom and justice, but inspired generations that followed to try to live up to his example. On his birthday, we honor his memory, and work toward continuing his legacy by creating change in our communities.

— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) February 22, 2021

Today would have been Congressman John Lewis’ 81st birthday. While my dear friend may no longer be with us, his life and legacy provide an eternal moral compass on which direction to march. May we carry on his mission in the fight for justice and equality for all.

— President Biden (@POTUS) February 21, 2021