Friday, March 18, 2016
Grammy Nominee or First Lady?
First Lady Michelle Obama has teamed up with female musicians Missy Elliot, Janelle Monáe, Zendaya, Kelly Rowland, Kelly Clarkson, and more to expand her Let Girls Learn mission farther than she herself could probably even imagine. Personally, I love the connection I made, and still have, with music. It’s my confidant; something I turn to in order to get away, to clear my head and keep my sanity. For others, music is the inspiration needed to fuel their accomplishments. And I don’t blame them. I get it. Put on “Eye of the Tiger” and I’ll do my workouts no problem. But that’s not what Mrs. Obama’s message is exactly.
“This Is For My Girls” is fully dedicated to female empowerment. In her piece, “Why Global Girls’ Education is So Personal for Me”; the First Lady breaks down her personal beliefs on improving education globally for the female population. Yes, the policy aspect is important since it is the “legal” side of efforts towards improvement. But first, Mrs. O wants to make sure these girls see themselves as the bright, beautiful, and deserving young women that they are. Without improving their quality of self-love, they won't be able to see themselves as deserving or important enough to receive an education.
Sadly these feelings of self-worth arise from what they experience and/or see. All around the world there are girls with daily-obligations that some of us in better circumstances can’t even begin to imagine. Obligations such as waking up at the crack-of-dawn to water crops and tend to cows, which the First Lady notes was a young Cambodian woman’s duty before heading to school. I can only imagine how these obstacles can serve to blight one’s ability to move forward, especially if they are done daily and for the survival of one’s family.
While the First Lady uses new efforts to empower young women around the world, we at home must follow suit by encouraging our sisters, daughters, friends, and even our mothers, that they are worth fighting for. Also, consider purchasing the First Lady’s single on Apple as all proceeds will be donated to the Let Girls Learn Fund. And remember that no matter what anyone says, “this world is yours to take, you got no fear, ain’t nothing you’re afraid of”.
Obama, Michelle. "Why the Issue of Global Girls' Education Is So Personal for Me." Lenny Letter. N.p., 16 Mar. 2016. Web. 17 Mar. 2016.
- Luisa Ibner, MWPC Intern
