By Patrick Forrest, Chicago Crusader
Former first lady and Chicago native, Michelle Obama, spoke at the inaugural Obama Summit at the Marriott Marquis Chicago, bringing the issues of art and parenting to the forefront.
She addressed a summit of young leaders Wednesday hosted by the Obama Foundation. She says people shouldn’t “tweet every thought” because “first initial thoughts are not worthy of the light of day.”
The comments drew laughter from the crowd as Obama added she wasn’t “talking about anybody in particular.” She says when people send a tweet, especially young people, they need to think it over, spell correctly and use good grammar.
Mrs. Obama also addressed the importance of art to her upbringing and her desire to have it more accessible to those coming up on the city’s South Side today.
“There needs to be places for public art,” Obama said. “Just like the Picasso and the bean, these things in communities are few and far between and they are important gathering points. And we deserve them just as much as any other place.”
In addition to art space, she spoke on the importance of recognizing music, and musical talents as art. In remembering her first governor’s ball and the decision to have Earth, Wind and Fire play the show.
“First it was something to see all those Governors moving to some Earth, Wind and Fire,” Obama said. “But it’s important that we realize that just because you can groove to it doesn’t then make it not high art.”
Mrs. Obama discussed her experiences as a mother and raising children with a schedule as well. Contrasting her time growing up with the life she attempted to give Malia and Sasha.
“We have to raise our children to be the adults we want to see them become,” Obama said. “And the trick is to try not to lose yourself in the process.”
In not losing yourself, she spoke on the importance of self care in keeping ourselves in the proper mental condition to care for others.
“We can do a better job of doing good for others if we take care of ourselves.” Obama said. “‘When am I going to laugh? When am I going to be happy?’ Far too often these are things that get ignored. You can’t do that, anyone you help needs you at your best.”
