Michelle Obama Becoming Book Tour Stop in Dallas
I was so excited when my husband surprised me with exclusive VIP Meet and Greet tickets to see former First Lady Michelle Obama on her Becoming memoir book tour in Dallas. For details on how the surprise took place, you can read about it in my post here.
Atlanta Airport getting ready to board my Delta flight to Dallas, TX.
Dallas
I love visiting Dallas where “big things happen.” It has been a few years since I've been to the Dallas airport and was surprised to see a large stage in the middle of the airport. How awesome is that? As listed in Guide Live, Musician Michael Clay approached Dallas Love Field officials with the idea to showcase local talent. I can't think of a better way to spend my time waiting for a flight than listening to live music. With all of the musical talent we have in Atlanta, maybe we will get a stage sometime in our Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta Airport.
Stage in the Dallas Airport.
Michelle Obama Surprises Students
When we checked into our hotel room (my friend Charis was with me as her husband also surprised her with tickets), we turned on the television to the local Dallas news and saw that Michelle Obama had surprised students at the Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House during their annual Young Women's Leadership Conference. Dozens of young women were discussing their thoughts on her book Becoming during one of the conference sessions when the former First Lady walked in and surprised the students. She was met with cheers, a few tears, and overwhelming admiration.
VIP Meet and Greet Check-In
We arrived at check-in around thirty minutes before we were expected to arrive to make sure we were able to get into the VIP reception. The information we had about the event specified that late arrivals would not be allowed into the reception, only the presentation following the reception. We were not taking any chances with arriving late as we were not giving away our shot at meeting Michelle Obama!
Michelle Obama Graces the Cover of Essence
Chris Bosh and Autumn Murray
Chris Bosh
As we were waiting in the VIP reception line, we see Chris Bosh, former NBA player, and Dallas local, in the reception line with his wife and young daughter. He was kind enough to take a photo with me after I asked his wife's permission.
L to R: Autumn Murray, Michelle Obama, Charis Hanberry
The Hugger-In-Chief
When I found out that I was going to meet Former First Lady Michelle Obama, I immediately wondered if I could receive one of her famous hugs. I have said numerous times that I want a hug from Michelle Obama before I leave this earth.
As we anxiously stood in line to meet her, we looked at the people around us. There appeared to be around 150 in attendance and everyone was dressed to the nines. I can imagine we were all thinking the same thing, that if you are going to get a picture with Former First Lady Michelle Obama, you want to look your absolute best!
We were in line behind Chris Bosh and his family and about twenty people back we saw Mark Cuban, owner of the Dallas Mavericks, and his family. It was pretty amusing to us that the guy that owns the Dallas Mavericks and pays the lease of the facility we are in (American Airlines Center) has to wait in line like everyone else.
When it was our time to approach her, she greeted us by saying our names. I know she was given our names ahead of time, but it still freaked me out just a little to hear Michelle Obama say my name! And then she opened her arms and hugged me! I got my wish! As I was hugging her, I told her that I couldn't believe I was hugging Michelle Obama and I might have jostled her a little in my excitement. She just laughed and then hugged my friend.
As they were telling us where and how to stand for the photo, I thanked her for continuing to go high as they continue to go lower. She looked at me and said, “There certainly is a lot of low in the world right now.” And I agreed. We took our picture and as we were leaving she held my hand and said: “Thank you.” At that point, I could barely walk out of the room. The security must have sensed my instability and told me that we could take the stairs instead of the stairsteps as we had entered.
I am just so proud of myself that I didn't break down and cry and that I was able to talk to her without sticking my foot into my mouth.
Meeting her was simply amazing!
Hugging is how I connect to people – how I show warmth and make folks feel at home.”
– Michelle Obama
A Conversation with Michelle Obama
We had seats in the center of the 7th row. As we were waiting and everyone was getting to their seats, videos were being played on the flat screens. Videos from her on Ellen, the Jimmy Fallon show, James Corbin and so many others. Also, pictures from her childhood and throughout her life were being shown set to some of Michelle's favorite musical artists (Stevie Wonder, Lauryn Hill, Diana Ross, and a host of others). Some people were dancing and a lot of us were singing along with the music.
When it was time for the program to start, Mark Cuban and a few other Dallas locals got on stage to say a few inspirational words before Michelle Obama was introduced. Mark Cuban had his two young daughters with him and expressed his views on the importance of diversity and female leadership and inclusion.
Valerie Jarrett, a former senior advisor for Barrack Obama, then introduced Former First Lady Michelle Obama and the crowd immediately stood up and gave her a standing ovation. And then for over 90 minutes, she held a microphone and answered Valerie's questions in front of a transfixed audience that was hanging on every word she said.
During the “Conversation” as in the book, Michelle described her growth from the South Side of Chicago to First Lady of the United States, through stories of empowerment and overcoming adversity.
The entire event from meeting her to watching her presentation was extremely empowering. Everyone in the room was happy and there was such a positive vibe that it seemed infectious. Michelle Obama to me is an inspiration and a treasure. I love her compassion for others and her ability to remain classy no matter what is said about her. She knows who she is and she knows the sky is the limit to what she can achieve. I thank her for writing her book and for wanting to help others “become” who they were always destined to be.
Michelle Obama and Valerie Jarrett
Autographed Copy of Becoming
Included in our VIP Meet and Greet package was an autographed copy of Becoming. I am in the middle of my second reading of the book. When I am finished, my daughter is going to read it and then we will discuss how every woman is becoming their best self.
VIP SWAG
Also included in our VIP Meet and Greet package was a Gift Bag filled with lots of Goodies! A recipe book by Sam Kass, Anastasia Beverly Hills makeup, a Motown Magic CD, a hat from the Ellen Degeneres Show, a water bottle, a free exercise class at Barry's, a few postcard-sized pictures of Michelle Obama, a VIP “Becoming” lanyard, and all the items came in a sweetgreen recyclable bag.
Get your copy of “Becoming” by Michelle Obama today!
AN OPRAH’S BOOK CLUB 2018 SELECTION
Other books featuring Michelle Obama:
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Autumn lives in Atlanta, Georgia with her husband and children. She is a travel addict, self-professed foodie and has an obsession with cycle/spin classes.
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46 Comments. Leave new
[…] Michelle Obama Becoming Book Tour Stop in Dallas | #IAmBecoming […]
What a phenomenal experience. I have nothing but good things from others who have attended.
super cool and amazing experience indeed.. loved reading about it and looking forward to reading the book
Thank you! I hope you love the book as much as I do!
holy moly this is amazing! She is such an inspiration
She is really is! Thank you.
Whoa what an amazing experience! I am jealous. Also, her outfit! She is just the coolest.
She really is! Thank you.
Great article on your experience with Michelle Obama! I love that you are having Ava read and you all will discuss the book. Great idea #MotherDaughter
Thank you so much Tonya!!
You are so lucky you got to get a hug and photo from Michelle Obama! Go girl and this was an amazing VIP experience for you that you will never forget.
Thank you Kiwi! I still can’t believe it happened!
That’s really neat that you got to meet Michelle Obama! How sweet of your husband to arrange the flight and hotel. This must have been an amazing experience!
My husband doesn’t have to ever give me another gift! LOL! This was everything! Thank you Marysa.
What an amazing experience.
Thank you Tiara. It really was!
This looks like such an amazing event. It was so nice of your husband to surprise you with the tickets. I definitely want to read her book.
It really was. I hope you enjoy her book as much as I do! Thank you for stopping by.
What a great experience and awesome products to walk away with!
Thank you Sara!
So cool! Thank you for sharing. She’s such an inspiration!
You’re welcome. Thank you for stopping by.
Getting a copy of her book is on my to-do list. I have heard it is a great read. I am happy you were able to attend such an awesome book tour event! That experience would be something you would love to share with your future grandchildren.
Thank you. I will definitely cherish the memories. I hope you love the book as much as I do!
Wow! What a time you had in Dallas! I bet it was one of those “trips of a lifetime” type of trips!
It really was! Thank you for stopping by!
I am sooooooooo envious!!! I want to attend a book tour here in the bay area but the tickets are sold out and it costs a bit pricey. You are soooo lucky! I love the Obamas!
I hope you get your chance one day! Thank you!
She is such an amazing woman. I’ve read her book, and I would love to be able to meet her like that one day.
She really is. I hope you get your chance!
I’m glad you got your wish! Michelle is such a classy, down to earth woman. I’m sure you’re going to treasure the experience forever.
Thank you. I definitely will!
This reminds me to get a copy of her book. I have read great reviews and just excited to read this.
So happy for your Meet and Greet experience. That’s such a sweet gesture from your husband. +1 for seeing Chris Bosh. 🙂
Thank you Clarice! As far as I am concerned, he never has to buy me another present again! Best. Gift. Ever. LOL
Wow wow wow loved reading your post. A big hug too. I was laughing at mark Cuban in line too. : )
Thank you so much Lynn!
Michelle Obama is one of the most influential women in the world. I like that she’s good in everything she does. Her tips are really inspirational and helpful. You’re so lucky to meet her!
I think so as well. She is one of a kind. Thank you so much Karla!
That would be awesome if I ever got to meet Michelle Obama. She has become a hero of mine because of her story have having nothing to becoming First Wife.
Thank you. I hope you do get to meet her one day!
Wow!!!!! Moment to be cherished for a lifetime. While reading your post I could imagine I was present at that moment. She is such a wonderful lady. Thanks for sharing your precious moment with us.
You’re welcome. Thank you for stopping by.
THAT IS SO COOL! What a great experience! I can’t wait to read her book!
Thank you. Her book is amazing!
How cool is that?! I absolutely love Michelle Obama! You are so lucky that you got to meet her!
Thank you. She really is an inspiration to so many.