Michelle Obama to youth: ‘Don’t be afraid’
WASHINGTON — In her final speech as first lady, Michelle Obama singled out young immigrants and Muslims, many of whom are apprehensive about President-elect Donald Trump.
“Do not ever let anyone make you feel like you don’t matter, or like you don’t have a place in our American story — because you do,” she said in Friday’s speech. “Know that this country belongs to you, to all of you. From every background and walk of life. If you or your parents are immigrants, know that you are part of a proud American tradition … that has made us the greatest country on Earth.”
Religious diversity is “not a threat to who we are,” she said, “it makes us who we are.”
On the campaign trail, Trump called for a ban on Muslims entering the U.S. and spoke about requiring them to register.
“Whether you are Muslim, Christian, Jewish, Hindu, Sikh … I want our young people to continue to learn and practice those values with pride,” the first lady said.
Obama became visibly emotional as she also encouraged young people to use their education to move the country forward.
“Don’t be afraid. Be focused. Be determined. Be hopeful. Be empowered,” she said, her voice breaking. “Lead by example with hope, never fear. And know that I will be with you, rooting for you and working to support you for the rest of my life.”