Homegirl of the Year 2009!!!

This year, the list of Homegirl’s included actresses, songstresses, and tennis superstars. The monthly winners all had several things in common – class, sophistication, intelligence, philanthrophic hearts, talent, and a drive for success. The selection of this year’s Homegirl of the Year had to be one that encompassed all the aforementioned and more. So it is my pleasure to announce that Life Inside My Head’s Homegirl of the Year 2009 is…

photo courtesy of www.latimes.com

That’s right…Michelle Obama! Mrs. Obama is the First Lady of these great United States of America. She is the 44th First Lady of the White House and the first African-American First Lady. President Barack Obama led a memorable and impressive campaign for his presidency. He did this with the steadfast support of his wife. Mrs. Obama grew up on the south side of Chicago with her parents Fraser and Marian Robinson. Mrs. Obama also has a brother named Craig who is a basketball coach at Oregon State University.

Mrs. Obama attended the prestigious Princeton University following a successful high school career in which she graduated Salutatorian. Mrs. Obama majored in sociology and minored in African-American studies. She graduated Cum Laude. She earned a Juris Doctor degree from Harvard Law School. She is only one of three First Ladies’ that own a post graduate degree (Hilary Rodham Clinton and Laura Bush are the other two). She met her future husband at the law firm Sidley Austin where they co-organized community organization meetings. The two married in October of 1992 and have two daughters, Sasha and Malia. Mrs. Obama’s professional career has included public sector positions such as Assistant to the Mayor, Assistant Commissioner of Planning and Development, Executive Director for the Chicago office of Public Allies, Associate Dean of Student Services (University of Chicago), and Vice President of Community and External affairs at the University of Chicago Hospitals. Mrs. Obama limited her time to her own career when then Senator Obama declared his candidacy for President.

Mrs. Obama was not warmly received by many (some touted her as the “angry black woman”) during her husband’s campaign. Her husband’s team worked tirelessly to help soften her image by having her appear on shows like ABC’s The View and showcasing her panache for trendsetting style. Comparisons of style to former First Lady, Jacqueline Kennedy were made. Mrs. Obama even appeared on the cover of Vogue magazine. Mrs.Obama has been quoted as saying she is Sasha and Malia’s mom before anything else. It wasn’t until her inspiring speech at the 2008 Democratic National Convention that she seemed to finally warm the hearts of those who had doubts.

(photo courtesy of the Associated Press)

Mrs. Obama’s work did not stop once her husband became President. She has visited homeless shelters and missions. She has toured a cancer ward and has sent representatives of the White House to schools and various public service venues. She has a strong platform for advocating military families. She hosted a White House reception party following the acceptance of the Pay Equity law. She has visited various educational facilities in support of education outreach programs. She read The Night Before Christmas this year to a local elementary school class.

Intelligent, Classy, Driven, Pioneering, Trendsetting, Inspiring, Committed and Caring – these words describe Mrs. Obama whom Life Inside My Head is proud to honor. Congratulations Mrs. Obama on inspiring the hearts of many around our world. Life Inside My Head Salutes you!

photo courtesy of 15.forumer.com

For more info on Mrs. Obama, click here.