Michelle Obama Joins Essence Festival Lineup for the First Time Ever

Michelle Obama is now part of the much-anticipated Essence Festival lineup, and people are stoked for what's to come.

This year's Essence Festival is bound to be spectacular, as included in its lineup is former First Lady, Michelle Obama, who will be attending the Essence Festival for the very first time.

Celebrating Greatness

This year's Essence Festival was already meant to be a big celebration, as it'll be celebrating 25 years of moving the culture of black excellence forward. However, things are a lot more epic now that they've announced that Michelle Obama joined their lineup.

The iconic First Lady and best-selling author will be having her very own keynote conversation on Saturday, July 6. It'll be happening at the Superdome mainstage, so for those with Saturday Superdome ticket holders, they'll be able to listen to Mrs. Obama speak.

The one who broke the news was none other than Essence's Communications CEO, Michelle Ebanks, who said:

We are indescribably thrilled and honored to have ‘Forever First Lady’ Michelle Obama as a part of our 25th Anniversary Essence Festival, which will mark our most exciting and extensive programming to date. As inspiring and aspirational as it is relatable, Mrs. Obama’s story – told on her own terms – is a remarkable example and celebration of everyday Black women who accomplish extraordinary things, who confront challenges with courage and truth, and who remind us that all things are possible when we support one another. Over 25 years, the Festival has done just that – becoming a cultural home for millions of Black women to honor, celebrate and engage each other in service and sisterhood, laughter and love, and empowerment and community.”

Life after the White House

It took a lot of adjusting for Michelle after living in the White House for eight years. In fact, her daughters went through adolescence in that house and came out as grown women in college. She once shared how her children were doing, saying:

“We’ve got one kid in college. One on the way. We have a senior in high school, so it’s all the drama that goes with it. Senior year is quite intense because it’s testing, it’s applications, it’s grades. We’re riding that wave with our senior.”

While Malia and Sasha are doing well after the White House despite all the pressure they experienced growing up, Michelle has also learned to move on while still continuing to make an impact.

She recently launched her memoir, "Becoming," which topped the charts instantly around the world. Now, her inspiring story is known by a lot more people, and those attending the Essence Festival will be able to hear it from her first hand.