Michelle Obama

Michelle Robinson Obama (born 1964), the daughter of a water filtration plant worker and a secretary, grew up on Chicago’s South Side in the South Shore neighborhood.  After attending Chicago Public Schools for her elementary and high school education, she earned her undergraduate degree at Princeton University and then her J.D. degree from Harvard Law School.

She returned to Chicago where she first worked at a private law firm. It was there that she met her future husband, Barack Obama. Mrs. Obama subsequently held positions in both the public sector and private sector. Life began to change when her husband became an Illinois State Senator. Life changed even more when he became a US Senator. Mrs. Obama hit the national scene with gusto when she delivered a speech at the 2008 Democratic National Convention. As the First Lady of the United States, she became one of the world’s most admired women. Since serving as First Lady, Mrs. Obama has written a NY Times Best Seller (Becoming) and hosted a podcast. She continues to speak out on human rights and to inspire and support young people.

Why this stop? The Red Line 79th Street station is the closest stop to Michelle Obama’s childhood home.