Michelle Obama welcomed at Freedom Tower

[seafan]

Source: Miami Herald

First lady Michelle Obama arrived at Miami's Freedom Tower's mezzanine promptly at noon Thursday, ready to speak to more than 500 people expecting to be energized by her views on inspiring community involvement in education.

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At the invocation, Rev. Monsignor Franklyn Casale, president of St. Thomas University, said Obama's visit in a building of such historical significance celebrates the men and women in Florida's diverse educational community.
``Today we are honored by a visit of the first lady of the United States who understands the importance of education because of her experience of community involvement,'' he said.

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Democratic Florida Senator Frederica Wilson was among those attending the luncheon. ``I'm more than excited to be here,'' she said. "I love Michelle Obama because she loves children and she's reaching out to all young people in America by attending events like this one.'' The tower, built in 1925, was once home to the city's first newspaper and later a processing center for Cuban immigrants.

Miriam Frances Abety, a Cuban American, said Obama's visit to the tower represents what the new administration is about -- opportunity and education.

Read more: http://www.miamiherald.com/news/breaking-news/story/1284173.html

[seafan]

1. The inspiration for many young people

First Lady Michelle Obama attends a Miami Dade College awards luncheon at the Freedom Tower Thursday.
AL DIAZ / MIAMI HERALD STAFF



Miami Herald

BY JULIE BROWN
October 15, 2009

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For college professor Renee Kilpatrick -- who grew up during the Civil Rights Movement -- Thursday's visit by first lady Michelle Obama symbolizes a turning point in American history.

``It makes me feel like I paid my dues, now I can say it was worth it,'' said the English professor from Miami Dade College, who waited in line for three hours before Obama's 12:30 speech at Miami's landmark Freedom Tower.

Obama -- the first first lady to visit the landmark tower -- has shaped an agenda that reflects her support of civic engagement and public education.

It's a subject that's near and dear to Kilpatrick's heart, having taught for 17 years. Growing up in Georgia in the 1960s, she was part of a generation of little girls who never dreamed there would be a black president -- let alone a first lady.

``Finally, when you look at Michelle Obama, little black girls will see that we are good enough, we are pretty enough and we are intelligent enough . . . we can see the possibilities of what can be,'' she said.

Eboni Finley, the student representative for the Miami-Dade School Board, hopes Obama's words will inspire young people.

``She is here to support education and students' future,'' said the 17-year-old senior from Carol City Senior High.

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[No Elephants]

2. Good. K & R.