There were many times when Michelle Obama made us stop and listen.
The former first lady will share her wisdom in Indianapolis in February,when she speaks at an event hosted by the Women's Fund of Central Indiana.
Here's a look back at Michelle Obama quotes and other memorable moments of hers.
Pride in her husband and country
"For the first time in my adult life, I am really proud of my country, because it feels like hope is making a comeback … not just because Barack has done well, but because I think people are hungry for change."
Michelle was always in Barack Obama's corner. But she stirred pride — but also blowback — early on, when she said these words before the Wisconsin primary in February 2008, during her husband's first presidential campaign. Soon afterward, Cindy McCain, wife of the then-Republican front-runner John McCain, told reporters "I have and always will be proud of my country." Some people undoubtedly wondered why Michelle chose those exact words, but it spoke to her experience as an American. You also may remember the emotional words she spoke to an audience at the White House in January 2017 in her final speech as first lady: "Being your first lady has been the greatest honor of my life. And I feel I have made you proud."
Fashion statement
"No matter who you are, no matter where you come from, you are beautiful."
Michelle's personal style as FLOTUS was casual and friendly, but she also knew when to glam it up. She brought some much-needed fashion style back to the White House, starting off with theone-shoulder white chiffon gown designed by Jason Wu that she wore to the 2009 Inaugural Ball. Her gowns at official events helped make the careers of lesser-known designers, much the same as Jacqueline Kennedy did back in the 1960s. The gown she wore at the first inaugural was later donated to the Smithsonian.
Personal touch
"Be passionate about something and lean to that strength."
Michelle was a hugger. Remember that famous photo of she and her husband hugging on Election Night in 2008? She even wrapped her arm around Queen Elizabeth at Buckingham Palace a year later — a major breach of royal etiquette — but Great Britain's sovereign didn't seem to mind. Perhaps her most famous moment was when she wrapped her arms around former Republican President George W. Bush at the opening of theNational Museum of African American History and Culture in September 2016. The two had become friends during Barack Obama's eight years in office, and the photo went viral because it was a welcome moment in a time of bitter partisan politics.
Occasional prankster
“Choose people who lift you up.”
Michelle also loved a good joke. When Miami Heat players were at the White House in 2014 celebrating back-to-back NBA championships, she did a little photobombing. As player Ray Allen and coach Erik Spoelstra were being interviewed on camera,she and LeBron James goofed around in the background. At one point, Michelle dunked a basketball, something that another Heat playerDwyane Wade said he'll never forget.
TV fun for a good cause
“We can aim to create a culture, where kids ask for healthy options instead of resisting them.”
Michelle showed us White House life wasn't all speeches andand photo ops. She hada little fun in her role as first lady, while promoting her initiatives like the "Let's Move" campaign to battle childhood obesity. Remember when she showed off her dancing moves on the "Tonight Show?" She did the Driving the Station Wagon and the Hip Bump, while Mom Dancing beside host Jimmy Fallon, while they both dressed in cardigans. And let's not forget her famous "Carpool Karaoke" moment, when she and host James Corden belted out"Stevie Wonder’s “Signed, Sealed, Delivered ( I’m Yours)” and Beyonce’s “Single Ladies” from behind the wheel.
Watch my garden grow
"How hard you work matters more than how much you make."
Michelle got down and dirty, when she helped Washington, D.C., schoolchildren plant a White House garden on the South Lawn in 2009to encourage healthier eating for all Americans. Later, she head bobbed while holding a turnip for a2014 spot, while listening to the song by DJ Snake and Lil John called "Turn Down for What."
Taking the high road
"When someone is cruel or acts like a bully, you don’t stoop to their level. No, our motto is 'When they go low, we go high.' "
Michelle also made memorable speeches over the years, including her inspirational speech at the Democratic convention in 2008, where she talked about her blue-collar upbringing in Chicago. (You may also remember First Lady Melania Trump was accused of borrowing some of those same themes in her speech at the Republican convention in 2016.) But perhaps Michelle's most memorable moment on stage occurred at the 2016 Democratic National Convention, when she urged Democrats to take the high road in a divisive year.
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Call IndyStar digital producer Dwight Adams at (317) 444-6532. Follow him on Twitter: @hdwightadams.
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