Michelle Obama hosted a lunch for wives of heads of state in Harlem today

[karynnj]

First lady Michelle Obama hosted a luncheon in New York City on Tuesday for the spouses of visiting heads of state in town for the United Nation’s General Assembly.

Along with Obama and Teresa Heinz Kerry, wife of Secretary of State John Kerry, about 50 first ladies from around the world toured The Studio Museum, located in Harlem, a neighborhood with deep ties to the black community and the 20th century arts scene.

There’s a reason why I wanted to bring you all to Harlem today,” Obama told her guests. She said the neighborhood “is infused with a kind of energy and passion that is quintessentially American,” which acts as “a thread that connects all of us here today, no matter where we’re from or what language we speak.”

She noted the cultural impact of former Harlem residents on the country, who became “some of the greatest African-American artists this country has ever known,” ranging from writers like writers like Langston Hughes to musicians like Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald and Duke Ellington.
http://tv.msnbc.com/2013/09/24/the-first-ladys-harlem-lunch-party/

[geek tragedy]

1. Rightwing heads will find a reason to explode, I'm sure nt

[Emit]

2. Love this woman

[Tarheel_Dem]

3. K&R for the First Lady!

[msanthrope]

4. I like the gift baskets were primarily from the White House Garden. Such a nice touch. nt

[sheshe2]

5. I Love Our First Lady!

[grantcart]

6. Thanks for posting

[CTyankee]

7. Exellent post. Michelle keyed into the attachment that many folks from around the world

feel about and love Harlem. What a great cultural event she made this to be! Wonderful!

[rurallib]

8. Can't think of words to express how I feel about Michelle

She is such a real person. Plunk her down any place in the US (save the racist areas) and she would have a bunch of friends in a week. She seems to relate to most anyone and also seems willing to pitch in and help.

I probably shouldn't but I think of her as the best FLOTUS since Eleanor Roosevelt - oops maybe Hillary.

And such a wonderful change from that last dud.

[karynnj]

10. I think all first ladies are different, but the only ones in my life time that

seem to have the incredible warmth and personality of Michelle Obama are Roslyn Carter and Betty Ford. The only one who beats Michelle on style and grace is Jackie Kennedy. The two together, plus the intelligence she shares with many first ladies is an awesome combination. She and the President and their two lovely daughters make an incredible First Family.

[rurallib]

11. well stated

[Cha]

9. Thank you KarenVT! I love what Michelle said about this..

“There’s a reason why I wanted to bring you all to Harlem today,” Obama told her guests. She said the neighborhood “is infused with a kind of energy and passion that is quintessentially American,” which acts as “a thread that connects all of us here today, no matter where we’re from or what language we speak.”

She noted the cultural impact of former Harlem residents on the country, who became “some of the greatest African-American artists this country has ever known,” ranging from writers like writers like Langston Hughes to musicians like Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald and Duke Ellington.

The first lady encouraged the women in the room to use this “opportunity” to share ideas on improving the lives of women and children in their respective countries."[/i]

Here's a pic from TOD at yesterday's UN luncheon~


@TheObamaDiary: Beautiful: First Lady Michelle Obama with First Lady of Ghana Lordina Mahama during UN luncheon in New York

http://theobamadiary.com/2013/09/24/chat-away-245/

[treestar]

12. Lordina - gotta love that name

I like Michelle's dress.

[hopemountain]

13. mrs. obama has a gift

for connecting through common ground "threads" and celebrating the strengths of communities and all people.