Michelle Obama praises diversity in farewell speech as First Lady
Michelle Obama gave her farewell speech as First Lady yesterday (6 January), according to Reuters.
Speaking at the East Room ceremony, which honoured high-school counsellors, Michelle urged Americans to get the best education they can.
“Don’t be afraid,” she said.
Michelle went on to celebrate the “glorious diversity” of the country in the speech, two weeks ahead of Inauguration Day.
“Our glorious diversity – our diversities of faiths and colours and creeds – that is not a threat to who we are, it makes us who we are.”
She continued, “To the young people out there, do not ever let anyone make you feel like you don’t matter or like you don’t have a place in our American story, because you do.”
“And you have a right to be exactly who you are.”
Holding back tears, Obama said being First Lady had been the greatest honour of her life.
“So that’s my final message to young people as First Lady. It is simple. I want our young people to know that they matter, that they belong.”
“Lead by example with hope, never fear. And know that I will be with you, rooting for you and working to support you for the rest of my life.”
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