About 30 Alaskans in their teens and 20s were in Washington, D.C., today to participate in the first-ever White House Tribal Youth Gathering. The highlight for many was a passionate speech by First Lady Michelle Obama.
In a cavernous hotel ballroom near the White House, Mrs. Obama told the crowd they, as individuals, matter.
“Each of you was put on this Earth for a reason,” she said. “Each of you has something that you’re destined to do. Whether that’s raising a beautiful family, or succeeding in a profession, or leading your community into a better future. You all have a role to play. And we need you.”
“Everyone in this room has your back. Everyone speaking at this summit – all those cabinet secretaries and powerful people who’ve come here for you – they have your back,” she said. “And you definitely have a president and a first lady who have your back.”
The gathering is part of President Obama’s Gen-I – or Generation Indigenous –project, aimed at cultivating leadership in young people and helping them succeed. The participants, more than 1,000, had to apply for selection, so this is a high-achieving bunch. Many of them have already launched projects to improve their communities. In her speech, the first lady warned attendees that some of the big changes they’re seeking may not occur until their children or grandchildren are grown.
See Full Story at Alaska Public Media
