Michelle Obama Dispatches Stars to D.C. Schools

[CatWoman]

First Lady Michelle Obama and 21 other mega-watt stars, billionaires, actresses, philanthropists, and business women met at the White House this morning, where Mrs. Obama told them their task was to go out to schools and share their life stories, real stories and real challenges with students across the Washington area, and "make the kids understand where we stand is not an impossibility."

In the White House Diplomatic Room, a quaint oval room with soft, pale carpeting and soft lights, the scene was jaw-dropping in its concentration of talent.

Actresses hugged singers. And singers hugged actresses. There was Sheryl Crow in black jeans and black platforms chatting with WNBA star Lisa Leslie. Across the room, actress and choreographer Debbie Allen, in a white baseball cap, was talking with actress Alfre Woodard. Near the back, Actress Phylicia Rashad talked with Olympic medalist Dominique Dawes.

Alicia Keys in jeans and a striped blue and black blazer stood in front of an oil painting of George Washington, and talked with actress Fran Drescher. Oscar nominated actress Alfre Woodard helped cosmetics company founder Bobbi Brown with her earring.

They all applauded when Mrs. Obama walked into the room.

Mrs. Obama told the women that she had long envisioned an event like this where she would bring accomplished women together on one day to go to schools in the region and talk to kids -- girls especially -- to inspire them, to help them reach their goals. To dream big. To work hard.

Her office said they began planning this event in February to be timed to Women's History Month.


http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/19/AR2009031902093.html?hpid=moreheadlines