The former First Lady, and wife of ex-US President Barack Obama, will give $500,000 (£385,000) from the proceeds she derived from 2018 and 2019 sales of her best selling memoir ‘Becoming’. According to a statement on Tuesday from Michelle and Barack’s office, the money will be donated to the Obama Foundation’s Girls Opportunity Alliance Fund. The organisation aims to help boost grassroots leaders around the world who are focused on adolescent girls’ education.
In a statement, Michelle said she considers helping others a “responsibility”.
She said: “This duty of giving back is what my parents and grandparents taught me, and it’s a value I’ve tried to live by my entire life — because it’s not enough just to make your way through life, thinking only of yourself.”
The contribution was announced on “Giving Tuesday”, a day when non-profit organisations encourage the public to donate to a worthy cause.
Michelle’s memoir has sold more that 11.5million copies worldwide since its release a year ago, according to its publisher.
The ex-FLOTUS called herself “incredibly blessed and humbled” by the response to her memoir.
She added: “I’m proud to channel that enthusiasm toward girls around the world.
“My hope is that this donation will help more bold and brilliant girls reach their fullest potential, continuing upward on their path toward becoming the women they are meant to be.”
Michelle also took to social media to raise awareness of Girls Alliances through Giving Tuesday, encouraging others to dante to to the cause.
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Lyn wrote on Twitter: “Thank You First Lady Michelle Obama and President Barack Obama for continuing with your initiatives that you started.”
Vicci Botich wrote to Michelle on Twitter: “Thank you M. I miss you and your hubby so much!”
Many netizens took the opportunity to try and persuade Michelle to run for US President herself.
Toto Miranda replied to Michelle: “You are the only one that could be President.”
Marta posted: “Michelle Obama, president please.”
Tony Schaefer wrote: “Please, can you be president? Please!”
Another Twitter user commented: “Run for president. Michelle 2020!”
Despite the praise, some criticised Michelle and the Girls Alliance foundation.
Kathleen replied to the ex-FLOTUS: “I’m a girl and I want to make it because I’m smart, work hard , and a good person!!
“I don’t want to make it because I’m a girl!! So stupid!”
Rude Oswald tweeted: “Girls and boys should be empowered equally.
“As otherwise, one gender always feels superior than the other.”