barack-obama

Michelle Obama is known for many things: her strong dedication to education and healthy eating; her unyielding support of her husband, Barack Obama; her enviable rock-hard arms and, of course, her fashion sense. The former (or forever) first lady's book, Becoming, will be released on Tuesday, November 13. In an excerpt shared with Elle, Mrs. Obama writes about the pressure she felt regarding FLOTUS fashion. As Barack's campaign got underway, all eyes were on the future first Black first lady of the United States. However, Obama wrote that she quickly discovered people seemed to care more about what she wore than what she said."This stuff got me down, but I tried to reframe it as an opportunity to learn, to use what power I could find inside a situation I’d never have chosen for myself," the former FLOTUS wrote about the coverage of a speaking engagement she had at a school. "If people flipped through a magazine primarily to see the clothes I was wearing, I hoped they’d also see the military spouse standing next to me or read what I had to say about children’s health."As Obama leaned into this new power, she enlisted the aid of wardrobe stylist Meredith Koop who helped her step into the iconic style we know today, according to the Huffington Post.Mrs. Obama also delved into the intersection of being a Black female first lady in the book, writing that existing in that intersection helped her to develop many of her trademark high fashion/fast fashion looks.“As a Black woman, too, I knew I’d be criticized if I was perceived as being showy and high-end, and I’d also be criticized if I was too casual,” she wrote. “So I mixed it up. I’d match a Michael Kors skirt with a T-shirt from Gap. I wore something from Target one day and Diane von Furstenberg the next.”Oh, and remember President Obama getting called out for wearing a tan suit? Michelle wrote that she envied the simplicity of his wardrobe snafu and the ease with which he was able to dress."I sighed sometimes, watching Barack pull the same dark suit out of his closet and head off to work without even needing a comb," Mrs. Obama wrote.Now, check these out: Michelle Obama Announces 10-City ‘Becoming’ Book Tour And She May Be Headed To A Hood Near You[Exclusive] Michelle Obama: Going High When Others Go Low Doesn't Mean Ignoring Reality Or The Power Of Your VoteGirl Who Marveled At Michelle Obama's Portrait In Viral Photo Adorably Recreated The Look For...

Folks sorely miss the Obamas, but they're having a great time post-White House. Michelle Obama appeared on The Today Show Thursday morning and said she's really been able to enjoy the "small things," during her post-Pennsylvania Avenue years, something she wasn't necessarily able to do as first lady of the United States, Business Insider reports.Mrs. Obama said her favorite thing about being out of the White House might be "going to my girl's game and just really being a mom ... there's nothing new that's going on — it's just that we're out in the real world."The former first lady also talked about her marriage to Barack Obama, even the blips. Whether a couple is #RelationshipGoals or not, no marriage is perfect, and the former FLOTUS dishing on one particular thing she and her husband argue about had us cracking up. "One of the keys to a successful marriage is separate bathrooms," the former first lady said as the audience laughed. "When he enters my bathroom, sometimes I'm like, 'Why are you in here?' And he's like, 'I live here. Can I enjoy my bathroom, too?'"“One of the keys to a successful marriage is separate bathrooms.” @MichelleObama says about living with @BarackObama in their house #DayOfTheGirlTODAY pic.twitter.com/Odid5WhE0C— TODAY (@TODAYshow) October 11, 2018On a more serious note, Mrs. Obama also opened up about how frustrated she is at the lack of progress made since the start of the #MeToo movement, according to The Huffington Post. “I’m surprised at how much has changed but how much has not changed,” she said. “I think that’s where the fire is coming from. Enough is enough. The world is a sadly dangerous place for women and girls, and we see that again and again.”“I’m surprised at how much has changed but how much has not changed. And I think that’s where the fire is coming from. Enough is enough.” @MichelleObama talks the time women are living in now one year after the #MeToo movement began #DayOfTheGirlTODAY pic.twitter.com/V7SmfI0YMR— TODAY (@TODAYshow) October 11, 2018Now, check these out: Michelle Obama Posts Photo From Her And Barack's Wedding Day In '92 And We Need TissuesMichelle Obama Reveals Book Cover For Her Memoir 'Becoming' And It Couldn't Be More FlawlessMalia Obama, Living Her Best College Life, Just Made Her First Appearance In A Music...

The already dramatic Chicago mayoral race got much more exciting when incumbent Rahm Emanuel announced he would not seek the another term in the city's top job. The already crowded field suspected the announcement would bring on new challengers, and so it has. Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle announced Thursday she will be running for Chicago mayor. Preckwinkle made the announcement at the Chicago Lake Shore Hotel, in a nod to Harold Washington, who announced his run in the same location and later became the city's first black mayor, the Associated Press reports. Barack Obama also announced his 1996 state Senate bid at the hotel.  Should Preckwinkle win, she'd make her own history as the first African American female mayor of the city. She'd be the second black person and the second woman to hold the post.The board president had long resisted calls for her to run. When announcing her bid, she said the reason she finally decided to do so was simple.  “I’m doing this because I can," the 71-year-old politician said. "I’m doing this because it’s necessary. I don’t make this decision lightly."Preckwinkle will face off against nearly 20 opponents, including Ja'Mal Green, a young Black Lives Matter activist who snagged the attention of Blavity when he announced his run. As the Chicago Tribune reports, Green didn't look kindly on Preckwinkle's entry into the race, and recently announced he plans to sell "Queen Sugar" t-shirts with Preckwinkle's face on the front. The phrase doesn't reference the popular show, but rather an unpopular sugar tax Preckwinkle threw her support behind last year. Whoa, let the games begin. Richard M. Daley's former chief of staff, Gery Chico, also announced his mayoral run on Thursday, per ABC Chicago. Bill Daley, Richard's brother, and the man who took over for Emanuel as President Obama's chief of staff, is also running. A few pillars of Preckwinkle platform include decreasing gun violence, reducing the country jail population, holding the Chicago Police Department accountable, decriminalizing substance abuse and mental illness and highlighting the importance of neighborhood schools. “My hope is that today is more than a kickoff of a campaign, but the start of a movement — one that is rooted in a new coalition across gender, race, age and geography to demand a mayor’s office that understands values and reflects the diversity of its residents and communities,” noted Preckwinkle. “That’s why I’m here, why I’m running and I hope for your support.”The Chicago mayoral election will be held February 26. A few more big-name Chicago politicians are rumored to be thinking about joining the race, including Chuy Garcia, who ran against Emanuel in the last mayoral campaign and was encouraged to jump in by Bernie Sanders this week.Now, check these out: BLM Activist Ja’Mal Green Announces He's Running For Chicago Mayor, Adding A Fresh Face To The City's Political SphereAfter Calls For His Resignation By Black Activists, Chicago's Mayor Announces He Won't Run For Re-ElectionChicago Mayoral Candidate Accused Of Buying Votes After Giving Away $300K To Church...

Forever first lady Michelle Obama premiered an ad during Black Girls Rock for her When We All Vote initiative, which encourages people to register to vote and to volunteer at their local poll stations, according to the Huffington Post.Obama launched the campaign in July, as part of a joint push with her husband to rally voters ahead of the 2018 midterm elections in November.In the ad, the former first lady calls voting the “most basic American responsibility.”“We’ve all seen the difference we can make when we choose to cast our ballots," Obama says. "And we’ve seen the consequences when we don’t bother to show up to the polls.”“It’s why I’m coming to you for help,” Obama says. “Because women of color know how to get things done for our families, for our communities, and for our country. When we use our voices, people listen. When we lead, people follow. And when we do it together, there’s just no telling what we can accomplish.”If you want anything — especially an election — done right, black women need to do it. Democrats hope to win back Congress in November, and the Obamas have recently re-entered the spotlight as part of that push. Now, check these out:11 Black Politicians Running For Office This November To Keep On Your RadarObama Doesn't Understand 'How Hard Is It To Say Nazis Are Bad' Either In Most Direct Criticism Of Trump YetMichelle Obama Posts Photo From Her And Barack's Wedding Day In '92 And We Need...

Barack Obama recently stopped in Anaheim, California, to campaign for the Democratic congressional candidates running in the 2018 midterm election, and though a lot of the speech was naturally political, one particular moment was made of Disney dreams come true. The 44th president reminisced about the time he was a student at Occidental College in California, according to Mashable. He mentioned he and his friends stopped to check out a Kool & the Gang concert, joking he was "dating" himself with that admission. Obama continued with the story of how he and his friends decided to hit up Disneyland's Magic Kingdom while in Anaheim and decided the rides could be improved by smoking.As soon as the former POTUS said that, the audience cheered.Those cheers died down, however, when Obama clarified he wasn't smoking weed on the rides; he was smoking cigarettes.The scholars thought they'd gotten away with their smoke break when two security officers approached them and told them they had to leave but were "welcome to come back any time." Because the spirit of Disney is magic. "I was booted from the Magic Kingdom." Obama tells California crowd about his rebellious college visit to Disneyland https://t.co/HvrbzYN89C pic.twitter.com/agYVhZowlZ— CBS News (@CBSNews) September 8, 2018After getting laughs with the story, Obama pivoted back to politics and encouraged his audience to get out and vote."All across the country, you can feel the energy. 'We're going to kick off our bedroom slippers and put on our marching shoes,'" he said."Are you ready to get to work?" Obama asked at the end of the speech, repeating the question three times.And the audience was like ...Liking this content? Check these out:Barack Obama Endorses 81 Democrats Running In The 2018 Midterm ElectionsGeorgia Planning To Shut Down 7 Of 9 Voting Locations Ahead Of Midterm Elections In Predominantly Black County11 Black Politicians Running For Office This November To Keep On Your...

Former President Barack Obama returned to the lectern to deliver a highly anticipated speech at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign on Friday, according to The Hill.The appearance was a big deal given the former POTUS has largely avoided the limelight since leaving the Oval Office and because Obama directly criticized President Trump, something he has said he's reticent to do in the past.Obama specifically touched the current president's response to Charlottesville. In his remarks on the tragic day, President Trump famously took time to peddle his wine brand and said there were bad actors on "both sides."Obama just called out Trump for his reaction to Charlottesville: "How hard can that be, saying that Nazis are bad?" pic.twitter.com/44J8tXCnUy— BuzzFeed News (@BuzzFeedNews) September 7, 2018The 44th president didn't mince words. "How hard can that be, saying that Nazis are bad?" he asked.Additionally, Obama called out the fearmonger actions politicians have used to energize voters for centuries, calling President Trump a "symptom, not a cause" of this kind of nativist, racist strategy. Obama mentions Trump by name! "He's just capitalizing on resentments that politicians have been fanning for years, a fear and anger that's rooted in our past but it's also born out of the enormous upheavals that have taken place in your brief lifetimes." pic.twitter.com/fmoaPfCiHu— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) September 7, 2018Obama also took the opportunity to flex a bit on behalf of his party ahead of the 2018 midterm elections, reminding voters he and the Democrats were in charge during the economic recovery following the Great Recession."When I came into office, we were losing 800,000 jobs a month ... by the time I left, household income was near its high, uninsured rates hit an all-time low," 44 said.OBAMA: "When I came into office we were losing 800k jobs a month. Millions of people were losing homes... By the time I left, household income was near its high, uninsured rates hit an all-time low. So when you hear how great the economy is, let's just remember where it started." pic.twitter.com/698WLPLNGr— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) September 7, 2018"So when you hear how great the economy is, let's just remember where it started," he said, and added, "Actually, those job numbers are the same as they were in 2015."Democratic strategists have promised Obama will be going hard in the paint to turn the Hill blue following this year's elections, and the former president showed signs of doing just that as he wrapped his speech by asking voters to hit the ballot box.Voting, Obama said, is more important than ever because "our democracy depends on it."OBAMA: "And as a fellow citizen, not as an ex-president, but as a fellow citizen, I'm here to deliver a simple message, and that is that you need to vote because our democracy depends on it... a glance at recent headlines should tell you that this moment really is different." pic.twitter.com/XmOovToppX— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) September 7, 2018Now, check these out: Universities Are Collectively Going '45, Bye' To Trump's Mandate To Drop Obama-Era Affirmative Action GuidelinesThe Constitution/Michelle Won't Let Barack Run For President Again, But Best Believe He's Putting His 2 Cents In 2020's RaceLos Angeles Will Rename This Street After President...

It's official: Rahm Emanuel will not be seeking a third term as mayor of Chicago. The two-term mayor announced his decision at a City Hall press conference on Tuesday morning, according to ABC Chicago."Today, the time has come to make another tough choice. As much as I love this job, and will always love this city and its residents, I've decided not to seek re-election," said the current mayor. JUST IN: Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel says he will not seek reelection: "At the end of the day, what matters most in public life is four more years for our children, not four more years for me." https://t.co/K5876ppdwu pic.twitter.com/IbVwhJeOf0— ABC News (@ABC) September 4, 2018“At the end of the day, what matters most in public life is four more years for our children, not four more years for me.” said Emanuel, using the announcement as a chance to again tout his plan to make having a four-year post-high school plan a graduation requirement for Chicago high school students. Emanuel didn't cite a specific reason for his decision. The Chicago Tribune reports the mayor initially raised $10 million in hopes to seek a third term before deciding to change his mind.  Former president Barack Obama, who was also Emanuel's boss during his time in the White House, issued a statement following Emanuel's announcement. NEW: Former Pres. Barack Obama on Rahm Emanuel: "Chicago is better and stronger for his leadership, and I was a better President for his wise counsel at a particularly perilous time for our country." https://t.co/B8q4fo76wZ pic.twitter.com/DZUgHpA4pp— ABC News (@ABC) September 4, 2018"Chicago is better and stronger for his leadership, and I was a better President for his wise counsel at a particularly perilous time for our country," read the statement.Emanuel has been criticized by many Chicago organizers and activists regarding his handling of public school closings, his gentrification plans, use of city resources and his administration's handling of the city's epidemic of violence.Wow! What a win for Chicago organizers - a majority of whom are Black - and who have been waging some of the most effective campaigns & for the reporters who have done excellent investigative work exposing Rahm & CPD #ByeRahm 👋 #NoCopAcademy https://t.co/JqdqnjnCYA— cℓaudia stєℓℓ✰r ‏ ✂️ (@ClaudiaStellar) September 4, 2018These are just a few out of hundreds (if not more) of photos in my archives showing some of the fierce protests and relentless organizing that has happened to oust #RahmEmanuel over the years. Like @prisonculture says, sometimes we win. #ByeRahm #IBelieveThatWeWillWin pic.twitter.com/HLNNU18Sg8— Love+Struggle Photos (@sarahdashji) September 4, 2018Note to all other candidates in the running to become chicago’s Next mayor: it will not be easier for you, we still have an agenda that is pro-community/public schools/quality jobs and anti-divestment/policing/corruption. #ByeRahm— Charlene Carruthers (@CharleneCac) September 4, 2018Emanuel's announcement also comes the day before police officer Jason Van Dyke's murder trial. Van Dyke shot Laquan McDonald 16 times in 2014, killing him. Despite McDonald's death occurring in 2014, footage of the shooting was released only two years ago. Many believed Emanuel suppressed the footage for political gain.Emanuel has not officially endorsed another candidate, but streets are certainly watching. There are currently 13 candidates in the running to snag that seat, including Black Lives Matter activist Ja'Mal Green and former Chicago Police Department disciplinarian Lori Lightfoot, who would be the city's first black woman and first openly LGBT mayor. "It will fill my eyes with tears to leave a job I love and already my heart is full with gratitude,” said Emanuel. “We've worked together. We've celebrated progress together. And we have grieved together.”Chicago's mayoral election will be held on Tuesday, February 26, 2019. Now, check these out: How Chance The Rapper Fights Crime In Chicago More Efficiently Than The City’s MayorStudents Protest Chicago Mayor For Promoting A $95 Million Police Academy Rather Than Investing In SchoolsRahm Emanuel's New Measure Requires Chicago High School Students To Have A Post-School Plan To...

It looks like Angelinos are about to be able to remix The Carters' "Black Effect" and flip it into the Barack Effect! As the San Francisco Chronicle reports, the Los Angeles City Council voted on Tuesday to rename Rodeo Road after former President Barack Obama. It will now be known as "Obama Boulevard." Last year, Blavity reported on the plans for the name change. Not to be confused with Rodeo Drive of Pretty Woman, high-fashion fame, Rodeo Road is near L.A.'s Crenshaw neighborhood. Council president Herb Wesson suggested the name change as the street was the site of an Obama presidential campaign rally back in 2007. Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti tweeted the news on Tuesday night. It’s official: our City Council has voted to rename Rodeo Road to Obama Boulevard!We’re thrilled that Angelenos and visitors will forever be reminded of the legacy of President @BarackObama when traveling across L.A. pic.twitter.com/gnVNgBgndn— Mayor Eric Garcetti (@MayorOfLA) August 29, 2018"We’re thrilled that Angelenos and visitors will forever be reminded of the legacy of President @BarackObama when traveling across L.A.," Garcetti wrote. Garcetti and Obama go way back, having served as the California co-chair of the former president's 2008 campaign. The mayor also had the honor of Obama's endorsement during his 2017 mayoral reelection campaign. There was some speculation Garcetti would run for governor of California. However, since the mayor announced he had no plans to run for that office, some have begun tossing his name around as a potential 2020 presidential contender, according to CBS News. Liking this content? Check these out:She Grew Up In The Projects And Was Honored By Obama. Now Jahana Hayes Wants To Represent Connecticut In Congress.Michelle Obama Is Gearing Up To Run Through Your City So We Get To See What Happens 'When We All Vote'Our Favorite Former President, Barack Obama, Gets His Own Day In...

Sen. John McCain has passed away Saturday afternoon at the age of 81 after a battle with brain cancer.The veteran senator from Arizona served in the Senate for nearly four decades and gained a reputation as a maverick for working across party lines and voting his conscious.Last July,  McCain was diagnosed with brain cancer around the time Congress was voting on repealing the Affordable Care Act, the Obama administration's benchmark legislation. He would return after treatment and cast the deciding vote to prevent millions from losing health care, according to the Los Angles Times. McCain survived five and a half years as a prisoner of war in Vietnam. He ran for president in 2008 against then young and inspiring Sen. Barack Obama. He lost the election, but he remained an ally to the administration as a senator. This last year was one of conflict for him. President Donald Trump would often trade barbs with the ailing elder statesmen for his defiant repudiation of the Trump administration, reports the BBC. A New York Times interview from earlier in the year revealed McCain had asked former Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama to eulogize him at his funeral. Trump, however, isn't welcomed. "His intimates have informed the White House that their current plan for his funeral is for Vice President Mike Pence to attend the service to be held in Washington’s National Cathedral," The New York Times article reads. "... But not President Trump, with whom Mr. McCain has had a rocky relationship."After his passing, major Democratic leaders such as Rep. John Lewis, Rep. Maxine Waters and others praised McCain as a Navy veteran, war hero and American political staple.Our statement on the passing of Senator John McCain: pic.twitter.com/3GBjNYxoj5— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) August 26, 2018Hero. pic.twitter.com/fyqEB1czRW— Eric Holder (@EricHolder) August 26, 2018Senator John McCain was a warrior for peace. He will be deeply missed by people all around the world.— John Lewis (@repjohnlewis) August 26, 2018A true American patriot & hero has passed. John McCain was an example of a public policy maker who fought for what he believed in, and had the character & dignity to stand up for what was right -- even if he had to oppose some of his colleagues to do so.— Maxine Waters (@RepMaxineWaters) August 26, 2018My colleague John McCain will be remembered as a devoted father and husband, war hero and a conscience of the Senate. Sending my condolences and prayers to his friends and family, and to the American people who have lost a true patriot.— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) August 26, 2018John McCain so warmly welcomed me to the Senate in ‘13. Our later private meeting in his office remains 1 of my most inspiring moments as a Senator. Death may end a life but it can never end a love. John Loved America: his impact will forever endure. RIP https://t.co/c340f06GzB— Cory Booker (@CoryBooker) August 26, 2018Now, check these out: America Needs More Black Male Educators So These Profound Gentlemen Are Doing Something About ItVerdict Declared In 2013 Murder Of 15-Year-Old Hadiya Pendleton, Killed Days After Performing At Obama's InaugurationProposal To Close Majority Of Voting Locations In Predominantly Black County Gets Shut Down In Less Than 60...

It's easy to forget what it's like having a head of state who cares about the educational advancements of the American people. As summer comes to a close, former President Barack Obama has graciously given us some his favorite summer reads to carry with us into the new season. “One of my favorite parts of summer is deciding what to read when things slow down just a bit, whether it’s on a vacation with family or just a quiet afternoon," Obama wrote on his Facebook before delving into the chosen literary ones. “This summer, I’ve been absorbed by new novels, revisited an old classic, and reaffirmed my faith in our ability to move forward together when we seek the truth.”1. Educated  by Tara Westover"A remarkable memoir of a young woman raised in a survivalist family in Idaho who strives for education while still showing great understanding and love for the world she leaves behind," Obama describes the book. 2. Warlight by Michael OndaatjeA book set in after WWII, Obama describes Ondaatje's Warlight as "a meditation on the lingering effects of war on family."3. A House for Mr Biswas by V.S. NaipaulA House for Mr Biswas follows author V.S. Naipaul's life growing up in Trinidad and his trials establishing a post-colonial identity.4. An American Marriage by Tayari JonesThe president isn't the only one singing the praises of Jones' An American Marriage. Obama describes the New York Times bestseller as a "moving portrayal of the effects of a wrongful conviction on a young African-American couple."5. Factfulness by Hans RoslingAs an international public health expert, Rosling gives us a hopeful read about how the world can be a better place when humans rely on facts rather than inherent biases.BRB. Hitting up Barnes & Noble. Thank you, Mr. President!Liking this content? Check these out:The Barack Obama and Joe Biden Fan Fiction Thriller Bromance Book We All Needed Has Been Released9 of Joe Biden's Greatest (And Most Shade-Filled) MomentsJust When You Thought All Hope Was Lost, #Obiden Restores Faith In The...