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Michelle LaVaughn Obama

Michelle LaVaughn (Robinson) Obama of Washington, District of Columbia County, District Of Columbia United States was born on January 17, 1964 in Chicago, Cook County, IL. Michelle Obama got married to Barack Hussein Obama II on October 3, 1992 in Chicago, Cook County, and has children Malia Ann Obama and Natasha Marian Obama.

Michelle LaVaughn (Robinson) Obama

Washington, District of Columbia County, District Of Columbia United States

January 17, 1964

Chicago, Cook County, Illinois, United States

Alive

Female

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Michelle LaVaughn Obama Michelle Obama (born 1964)

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Michelle LaVaughn (Robinson) Obama's History: 1964

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Introduction

Michelle LaVaughn (Robinson) Obama is the daughter of Fraser Carleton Robinson III (1935-1991) and Marian Lois Sheilds Robinson (1937-2006). She grew up in South Side Chicago and graduated from Young Magnet High School a selective public high school in Chicago. Michelle then attended and graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology and African American studies from Princeton University in 1985. She later earned her Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from Harvard Law School in 1988. After earning her J.D. from Harvard Law School, Michelle Obama worked as an associate at the law firm Sidley Austin in Chicago. Her legal career also included roles in public service, where she contributed to initiatives addressing education and community development. It was at Sidley Austin that she met Barack Hussein Obama II, who was a summer associate at the firm. The couple later married on October 3, 1992 in Chicago, Illinois. After her husband became the President of the United States on January 20, 2009, after winning the presidential election in November 2008 she served as First Lady from 2009 to 2017. As First Lady, Michelle Obama's most important accomplishments include launching the "Let's Move!" campaign to combat childhood obesity and promote healthier lifestyles, and advocating for girls' education globally through the Let Girls Learn initiative, breaking barriers and fostering opportunities for education around the world.
01/17

1964

Birthday

January 17, 1964

Birthdate

Chicago, Cook County, Illinois United States

Birthplace

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Ethnicity & Family History

Michelle LaVaughn Robinson is the daughter of Fraser Carleton Robinson III and Marian Lois Sheilds Robinson. Fraser Robinson III worked for the city of Chicago's water department. Marian Shields Robinson was a homemaker and later worked as a secretary at Spiegel's catalog store. She had an older brother Craig Malcom Robinson (1962-2000). Craig was a basketball coach and was the head coach of the Oregon State University men's basketball team. Her mother Marian was born on July 30, 1937 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois, USA and lived most of her life there. She first married Oliver James Johnson (1931–1990) on March 15, 1952 in Caroline, Virginia, USA. They were married for a few years before divorcing on November 20, 1959. The following year she married Fraser on October 27, 1960 in Chicago, IL. They had two children together. She passed away on May 22, 2006 in Chicago. Her father Fraser was born on August 1, 1935 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois, USA and also lived most of his life there. He attended Dusable High School in the 1950's and marroed Marian in 1960. He passed away on March 6, 1991 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois, USA.
Nationality & Locations

Michelle was born and raised in Chicago, Cook, Illinois and spent her early years in the South Side of Chicago. Her family lived in a one-bedroom apartment in a working-class neighborhood. After completing her undergrad and Law education in New Jersey and Massachussets, Michelle returned to Chicago, where she worked at a law firm and later in various public service roles. In 1992, she married Barack Obama, and they lived in Chicago as their family grew. When Barack Obama became a U.S. Senator, the family spent time both in Chicago and Washington, D.C. In 2009, when Barack Obama became the President of the United States, the family moved to the White House in Washington, D.C. Michelle lived there during Barack Obama's two terms in office until 2017. Since leaving the White House, Michelle and her family have continued to reside in Washington, D.C.
Early Life & Education

Michelle Robinson attended Fenger Academy High School (Chicago, Illinois, USA) in 1976 and Young Magnet High School (Chicago, Illinois, USA) in 1979, a selective public high school in Chicago. See Michelle Robinson- Young Magnet High School. There she excelled academically and was known for her strong work ethic and determination. After high school, Michelle attended Princeton University in New Jersey, where she studied sociology and African American studies. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree cum laude in 1985. At Princeton, she was involved in various campus activities and organizations, including the Third World Center (now the Carl A. Fields Center), which provided support for minority students. Following her undergraduate studies, Michelle attended Harvard Law School in Massachusetts. She earned her Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree in 1988. While at Harvard, she participated in legal clinics, worked on the Harvard Law Review, and demonstrated her commitment to public service.
Religious Beliefs

Michelle was raised in a Christian household. Her parents, Fraser Robinson III and Marian Shields Robinson, were both devout Christians. Michelle herself has identified as a Christian throughout her life. During her time in the public eye, including her years as the First Lady of the United States, she often spoke about her Christian faith and the influence it had on her values and worldview. While in the White House, the Obamas attended various churches in the Washington, D.C., area. They were known to attend the Nineteenth Street Baptist Church and occasionally visited other churches for religious services and events.
Military Service

While Michelle has been a strong advocate for military families and veterans, she did not personally serve in the armed forces. During her time as the First Lady, she was actively involved in initiatives supporting military families, addressing issues such as employment, education, and wellness for service members and their families.
Professional Career

Michelle Obama's law career began after she earned her Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from Harvard Law School in 1988. She joined the law firm Sidley Austin in Chicago, where she worked as an associate. It was at Sidley Austin that she met Barack Obama, who was a summer associate at the firm. Later, Michelle worked in various public service roles. She served as an assistant to the Mayor of Chicago, where she worked on issues such as education and public health. Subsequently, she worked as the Assistant Commissioner of Planning and Development for the City of Chicago. In 1993, Michelle transitioned to the non-profit sector, becoming the Executive Director for the Chicago office of Public Allies, an organization focused on leadership development and community service. Her commitment to public service continued when she later served as the Associate Dean of Student Services at the University of Chicago. As the First Lady of the United States from 2009 to 2017, Michelle Obama accomplished a great deal and left a lasting impact. Michelle launched the "Let's Move!" campaign in 2010 to address childhood obesity and promote healthier lifestyles for children. The initiative focused on improving nutrition, increasing physical activity, and fostering a culture of wellness in schools and communities. Michelle and Dr. Jill Biden, the wife of Vice President Joe Biden, launched the Joining Forces initiative in 2011. This program aimed to support military families by addressing issues such as employment, education, and wellness for service members and veterans. Michelle spearheaded the Reach Higher initiative, encouraging students to pursue higher education beyond high school. The program aimed to provide resources and support to help young people navigate the college application and decision-making process. She also advocated for girls' education globally through the Let Girls Learn initiative. This program aimed to break barriers to education for girls around the world and provide them with the opportunity to fulfill their potential. In 2018, Michelle Obama published her memoir, "Becoming," which became a bestseller. The book provides a personal and candid account of her life, from her childhood to her experiences in the White House. Michelle played a key role in hosting and participating in various cultural and diplomatic events at the White House. She welcomed world leaders and their spouses, emphasizing the importance of diplomacy and cultural exchange. Michelle Obama's fashion choices garnered attention and praise. She became known for her elegant and modern style, often promoting and wearing designs from both established and emerging American designers.
Personal Life & Family

On October 3, 1992 she married Barack Obama in Chicago, Cook, Illinois, United States. The couple first met while both were working at the law firm Sidley Austin in Chicago. Barack was a summer associate, and Michelle, who was assigned as his mentor, initially resisted his romantic advances. However, they eventually began dating, and their relationship blossomed. The couple have two daughters together; Malia Ann Obama, born on July 4, 1998, and Natasha "Sasha" Obama, born on June 10, 2001. The family has been known for maintaining a sense of normalcy despite the high-profile nature of Barack Obama's political career. Michelle is also an avid reader and has a passion for education. She has been involved in initiatives to promote literacy and education, and she often shares book recommendations with the public. She published her memoir, "Becoming," in 2018, which became a bestseller and provided insights into her life and experiences. Additionally, Michelle is committed to philanthropy and community service. She continues to work on various projects through the Obama Foundation, focusing on issues such as education, leadership development, and community engagement.
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The average age of a Robinson family member is 71.
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