On May 29th, Michelle Obama gave a heart warming speech about Sesame Street at a benefit dinner in New York.
What We Know:
- On the 50th anniversary of Sesame Street, the former first lady was honored with the Joan Ganz Cooney award. The award was named after the show’s creator. Michelle was invited to the Sesame Workshop benefit dinner in New York to accept her award.
- At the dinner, Michelle gave a speech and recounted her fondest memories of Sesame Street. She spoke about being a young girl growing up in South Side Chicago watching the show. Sesame Street first aired when Michelle was 5 years old.
- Michelle was also passionate about the first time she visited the set with her daughters, Male and Sasha in 2010. “As Malia, Sasha, and I walked onto that street with the brownstone, the grocery store, and the famous trash can, we were totally overwhelmed, in awe, our faces filled with wonder, and our spirits soaring.” Both of her daughters are all grown now. Malia is a student at Harvard and Sasha is a graduating high school senior.
- Michelle has made several appearances on Sesame Street. She has read stories to Elmo and Abby, planted seeds with kids, and even danced with Big Bird. Michelle advised that Sesame Street was a big part of her goal to help kids when she became First Lady of the United States.
- Sherrie Westin, the Sesame Workshop’ president of Global Impact and Philanthropy, spoke fondly of Michelle at the dinner. “As we celebrate this milestone, we’re proud to honor First Lady Michelle Obama for all that she has done to help improve the lives of children. From fighting childhood obesity, to supporting military families, to empowering girls the world over, Mrs. Obama is a tireless champion of children and families.”
Michelle also posted a Sesame Street tribute to her personal Instagram with old photos of her and the girls on set.
