Michelle Obama, the former first lady, conveyed a significant message to black Americans, emphasizing the crucial role of voting in safeguarding their cherished “freedom.”
“Juneteenth is all about celebrating our collective freedom and fighting to protect it,” Obama said in a video posted on X.
“Our power, our rights, and even our planet are on the ballot this year,” Obama said. “So, now is the time to think about how you’re going to make your voice heard in this election.”
Recent polling indicates that former President Donald Trump could potentially secure a significant number of votes from black Americans, which has prompted a desperate message. In 2018, the former first lady founded the voter registration and engagement organization called “When We All Vote” and urged her 22 million followers on X to explore the group’s website.
“Get yourself registered to vote, and then text three friends to do the same,” she said. “Do not sit on the sidelines this year, because this is a critical moment for all of us.”
Watch:
On Juneteenth, we celebrate our freedom, our resilience, and our progress. Today we're honoring all the Black folks who came before us – who helped build our country with their bare hands – who marched and fought to do everything they could to build a better future for us all.… pic.twitter.com/NmdjgcUK3t
— Michelle Obama (@MichelleObama) June 19, 2024
In a recent interview on Jay Shetty’s “On Purpose” podcast in January, Obama expressed her deep concerns about the upcoming election, emphasizing her fear of the potential outcomes. She highlighted the possibility of a rematch between Trump and President Joe Biden, further emphasizing the urgency for action.
“Because our leaders matter,” she then said. “Who we select, who speaks for us, who holds that bully pulpit — it affects us in ways that sometimes I think people take for granted.”
