10 Facts You Didn’t Know About Michelle Obama

Michelle Obama, the former First Lady of the United States, is a figure who has captivated the world with her grace, intelligence, and commitment to social causes. While many are familiar with her advocacy work and her bestselling memoir Becoming, there are several lesser-known aspects of her life that reveal even more about this remarkable woman. Here are ten facts you might not know about Michelle Obama.

1. A Student of Fashion and Politics

• Fact Check: Michelle Obama has been widely recognized for her fashion sense, often using her wardrobe choices to make political and cultural statements. While she didn’t formally study fashion, she carefully selected designers and outfits that aligned with her values and messages. Her wardrobe often included pieces from lesser-known American designers, reflecting her support for diversity and the American fashion industry.

• Source: Vogue

2. Her First Job Was at a Bookbinding Shop

• Fact Check: This fact may be confusing. Michelle Obama’s first jobs during high school included working at a bookbinding shop and a babysitting job. These early jobs were formative, instilling in her a strong work ethic.

• Source: Biography

3. A Princeton and Harvard Alumna

• Fact Check: Michelle Obama graduated cum laude from Princeton University in 1985 with a degree in sociology and a minor in African American studies. She then attended Harvard Law School, graduating in 1988. At Harvard, she was involved in activism, advocating for minority students.

• Source: The Princeton University Library and The Harvard Gazette

4. First Lady of Fitness

• Fact Check: Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move!” campaign, launched in 2010, aimed to combat childhood obesity and promote healthier lifestyles. She has been personally committed to fitness throughout her life, maintaining a rigorous exercise routine. This fact is accurate.

• Source: White House Archives

5. She Was Barack’s Mentor

• Fact Check: It is true that Michelle was assigned to mentor Barack Obama when he joined Sidley Austin as a summer associate. This professional relationship eventually blossomed into a romantic one, leading to their marriage in 1992.

• Source: The New York Times

6. Champion of Military Families

• Fact Check: Michelle Obama co-founded the “Joining Forces” initiative with Dr. Jill Biden to support service members, veterans, and their families. Her father, Fraser Robinson III, was indeed an Army veteran, which influenced her commitment to military families.

• Source: Joining Forces – White House Archives and Biography

7. Her Office Was in the East Wing, But She Made Waves in the West Wing

• Fact Check: The First Lady traditionally has offices in the East Wing of the White House. While Michelle Obama had her office there, she played a significant role in shaping several West Wing initiatives, especially in the areas of health, military families, and education. Her influence was felt in the West Wing through her advocacy and the policies she championed.

• Source: PBS

8. She Hates Dieting

• Fact Check: Michelle Obama has publicly stated that she does not believe in strict dieting but rather in moderation and balance. She has talked about enjoying indulgent foods like French fries while maintaining an overall healthy lifestyle.

• Source: People Magazine

9. A Passionate Advocate for Girls’ Education

• Fact Check: Michelle Obama’s “Let Girls Learn” initiative was launched in 2015 to help adolescent girls worldwide attend and stay in school. She has consistently emphasized the importance of education for girls and has been a vocal advocate for this cause throughout and after her tenure as First Lady.

• Source: Let Girls Learn – White House Archives

10. Michelle is a Grammy Winner

• Fact Check: Michelle Obama won the Grammy Award for Best Spoken Word Album in 2020 for her memoir Becoming. This fact is accurate, and she is indeed in the company of other political figures who have won in this category, including her husband Barack Obama.

• Source: Grammy Awards