‘Becoming’ an advocate for oneself
It’s not every day one can say they were in the same room as a former first lady. As of March 2, I can proudly add this to my resume. Perhaps under skills and/or achievements? I’m kidding…mostly.
Having been reading her top-selling autobiography “Becoming,” I was excited to be able to attend former First Lady of the United States Michelle Obama’s book tour stop at Houston’s Toyota Center. Political leanings aside, Michelle Obama is one of the most beloved spouses of a politician and continues to impact millions globally with her messages of empowerment, hope and truth.
Of the subjects talked about during “An Intimate Conversation with Michelle Obama,” which was moderated by journalist Michele Norris, advocating for yourself and the overall aspect of “becoming” oneself hit home most.
As a person of color, I have always recognized the importance of advocating for oneself. The cliché of having to work 10 times harder than those who are not of color is indeed soaked in truth.
Early in the conversation, Obama told the story of how she had to become her own advocate in second grade. In a time when her elementary school was experiencing a shift in racial demographics, a young Michelle Robinson took notice of how the teacher was incompetent and was failing to provide the students with a real education.
Coming home for lunch, she spoke out loud about the situation as her mother took in the words without much more than a reply of, “Oh, really?” Soon after, Michelle and a few other students were allowed to skip second grade.
This form of advocacy is one I have experienced with my own mother on multiple occasions, including the time in third grade when my teacher refused to let me use the restroom, even though I had a medical condition. As one of the only students of color in the room, I knew even at that young age that I was constantly being treated differently. Though, at that time, I didn’t really understand why.
I can recall how this particular teacher would treat me coldly, even though I was a shy kid who followed the rules and did his work. Once my mother stepped in behind the scenes, I was moved to another class across the hall.
There were other occasions throughout my childhood where my mother’s advocacy saved me from failing as a student and as a person. This, in turn, helped me to learn to advocate for myself. The ability to speak out on my behalf is one of the greatest lessons I’ve ever learned, especially as a person of color, when so many of us are already inherently disadvantaged and struggling to find our place as a “minority” in a “majority” world.
Obama spoke to this by urging the children in the arena to open their mouths to find someone to help them in times of trouble. She further expressed that they can’t sit in a corner waiting for help to show, as they must seek it out.
Lastly, Obama talked about how our stories are what connects us to one another. It’s not about left or right, blue or red, Democrat or Republican. Her story is my story, and my story is the story of millions. Though we all have different experiences and challenges that shape who we are, at the end of it all, we are continuously “becoming.”