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Michelle Obama Inspires at Oakland’s Oracle Arena

Published

8 years ago

April 4, 2018

Carla Thomas, June Williams, former First Lady Michelle Obama, Jennifer Madden

Former First Lady Michelle Obama took the stage at Oracle Arena on March 28th for an open with TaskRabbit’s CEO Stacy Brown-Philpot. Thousands packed the arena, young, old, men and women to hear who they still consider their first lady speak.

Presented by Unique Lives and Experience and sponsored by Claremont Hotel and Spa, Obama breath of fresh air as her transparency, down to earthiness and resilient spirit resonated with many in the arena.

Obama spoke of raising a family in the White House, the decision to support her husband’s candidacy and presidency and what life was like prior to the White House.

Stacy Brown-Philpot, while moderating took a moment to let Obama know just how special she was.

“You helped so many black girls and women walk taller and dream much bigger” she said.

When asked how she maintains her authenticity, Michelle stated she’s the same person on stage, back stage and serving the White House.

“I’m authentic-me wherever I am and I’m proud of my story in my voice,” she said. “It’s so much easier in the public eye when you’re not pretending.”

Obama spoke with pride on being born and raised on the south side of Chicago born and raised by her parents Marion and Frazier Robinson, neither of which had a college degree.

“My parents were hard-working, led by their values and used common sense and foresight for our education.”

The Princeton and Harvard Law grad, said having to console families after tragic losses were the toughest times for her. “In order to get through those times, you have to take yourself out of the equation because it’s not about you, you are there for the families,” she said.

When discouraged, Mrs. Obama said she sought the company of children. “I’d ask to be taken to visit some children or a school.” Hosting the full production of the musical “Hamilton” and events with performers like Common and Jill Scott were highlights for her.

“The wealthy are always invited to events at the White House but we saw the kids at the gate that never get to see themselves walking into the White House, those were the ones that we invited to our receptions and events. We hosted events because we knew that it had never been done and it will probably never happen again,” she added.

Obama joked about raising children in the White House and having to pretend that it was normal to have a 20 car motorcade a 20 car motorcycle escort and sharpshooters on the roof of their daughter’s school during parent-teacher conferences. “’Malia was like really Dad.’” “We really worked at creating a sense of normalcy, love and consistency in order for them to handle the extraordinary treatment.”

After a whirlwind trip to the Vatican and meeting the Pope with pomp and circumstance, a very young Sasha wrote about her summer experience. ‘I saw the pope and a piece of his thumb was missing.’ “The statement ran all through the school bulletin board”, she laughed. “We still don’t know what it was, but from a child’s perspective, that was a highlight for her.”

In light of current times Michelle says everyone should be empathetic. “If everyone did the same for other kids as they did for their own the country would be much farther.”

Obama spoke of how she loves people and people give her energy and advises everyone to find their passion, explore and seek joy and happiness, not perfection. She assured the audience that running for office was not in her future.

Grateful to have had a posse of close supportive girlfriends Obama said “the sisterhood makes the journey worthwhile.” “As Black women we are very good at taking care of others but not always ourselves so I encourage professional women and all women to support each other.”

Obama says she there’s a need to bring more women to the table. “I’m on my 5th career and it’s lonely out there. Women are still far and few in between. I encourage people with seats to leverage your own power to make sure others get there. We must take risks, not get too comfortable and be uncomfortable, that way we don’t have to continue to explain to the future generations why misogyny and inequity still exist. If everyone at the table looks like you -that’s a problem,” she said.

A lucky few had the opportunity to not only meet Obama but receive a hug and briefly speak with her in addition to a group photograph. Civic leaders and politicians such as Ken Houston, Keith Carson, Abel Guillen, Larry Reid and Buffy Wicks, Jennifer Madden and June Williams were in attendance. Students from the East Oakland Youth Development Center also had the opportunity meet the former First Lady, thanks to Congresswoman Barbara Lee.

Obama is currently completing her book, which is expected to be released this November.

Sadly, despite calls for political leadership, Obama made it painfully clear that she would not seek a political office in the future.

“I want to support more people with a moral compass that are ready to run. And we must all tap into the goodness in us and not the fear that divides us. Do that and vote,” she said.

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Oakland Post: Week of December 31, 2025 – January 6, 2026

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of – December 31, 2025 – January 6, 2026

Published

5 days ago

January 2, 2026

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Big God Ministry Gives Away Toys in Marin City

Pastor Hall also gave a message of encouragement to the crowd, thanking Jesus for the “best year of their lives.” He asked each of the children what they wanted to be when they grow up.

Published

1 week ago

December 29, 2025

Oakland Post

From top left: Pastor David Hall asking the children what they want to be when they grow up. Worship team Jake Monaghan, Ruby Friedman, and Keri Carpenter. Children lining up to receive their presents. Photos by Godfrey Lee.

By Godfrey Lee

Big God Ministries, pastored by David Hall, gave toys to the children in Marin City on Monday, Dec. 15, on the lawn near the corner of Drake Avenue and Donahue Street.

Pastor Hall also gave a message of encouragement to the crowd, thanking Jesus for the “best year of their lives.” He asked each of the children what they wanted to be when they grew up.

Around 75 parents and children were there to receive the presents, which consisted mainly of Gideon Bibles, Cat in the Hat pillows, Barbie dolls, Tonka trucks, and Lego building sets.

A half dozen volunteers from the Big God Ministry, including Donnie Roary, helped to set up the tables for the toy giveaway. The worship music was sung by Ruby Friedman, Keri Carpenter, and Jake Monaghan, who also played the accordion.

Big God Ministries meets on Sundays at 10 a.m. at the Mill Valley Community Center, 180 Camino Alto, Mill Valley, CA Their phone number is (415) 797-2567.

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First 5 Alameda County Distributes Over $8 Million in First Wave of Critical Relief Funds for Historically Underpaid Caregivers

“Family, Friend, and Neighbor caregivers are lifelines for so many children and families in Alameda County,” said Kristin Spanos, CEO, First 5 Alameda County. “Yet, they often go unrecognized and undercompensated for their labor and ability to give individualized, culturally connected care. At First 5, we support the conditions that allow families to thrive, and getting this money into the hands of these caregivers and families at a time of heightened financial stress for parents is part of that commitment.”

Published

1 week ago

December 29, 2025

Oakland Post

Costco. Courtesy image.

Family, Friend, and Neighbor Caregivers Can Now Opt Into $4,000 Grants to Help Bolster Economic Stability and Strengthen Early Learning Experiences

By Post Staff

Today, First 5 Alameda County announced the distribution of $4,000 relief grants to more than 2,000 Family, Friend, and Neighbor (FFN) caregivers, totaling over $8 million in the first round of funding. Over the full course of the funding initiative, First 5 Alameda County anticipates supporting over 3,000 FFN caregivers, who collectively care for an estimated 5,200 children across Alameda County. These grants are only a portion of the estimated $190 million being invested into expanding our early childcare system through direct caregiver relief to upcoming facilities, shelter, and long-term sustainability investments for providers fromMeasure C in its first year. This investment builds on the early rollout of Measure C and reflects a comprehensive, system-wide strategy to strengthen Alameda County’s early childhood ecosystem so families can rely on sustainable, accessible care,

These important caregivers provide child care in Alameda County to their relatives, friends, and neighbors. While public benefits continue to decrease for families, and inflation and the cost of living continue to rise, these grants provide direct economic support for FFN caregivers, whose wages have historically been very low or nonexistent, and very few of whom receive benefits. As families continue to face growing financial pressures, especially during the winter and holiday season, these grants will help these caregivers with living expenses such as rent, utilities, supplies, and food.

The funding for these relief grants comes from Measure C, a local voter-approved sales tax in Alameda County that invests in young children, their families, communities, providers, and caregivers. Within the first year of First 5’s 5-Year Plan for Measure C, in addition to the relief grants to informal FFN caregivers, other significant investments will benefit licensed child care providers. These investments include over $40 million in Early Care and Education (ECE) Emergency Grants, which have already flowed to nearly 800 center-based and family child care providers. As part of First 5’s 5-Year Plan, preparations are also underway to distribute facilities grants early next year for child care providers who need to make urgent repairs or improvements, and to launch the Emergency Revolving Fund in Spring 2026 to support licensed child care providers in Alameda County who are at risk of closure.

The FFN Relief Grants recognize and support the essential work that an estimated 3,000 FFN caregivers provide to 5,200 children in Alameda County. There is still an opportunity to receive funds for FFN caregivers who have not yet received them.

In partnership with First 5 Alameda County, Child Care Payment Agencies play a critical role in identifying eligible caregivers and leading coordinated outreach efforts to ensure FFN caregivers are informed of and able to access these relief funds.FFN caregivers are eligible for the grant if they receive a child care payment from an Alameda County Child Care Payment Agency, 4Cs of Alameda County, BANANAS, Hively, and Davis Street, and are currently caring for a child 12 years old or younger in Alameda County. Additionally, FFN caregivers who provided care for a child 12 years or younger at any time since April 1, 2025, but are no longer doing so, are also eligible for the funds. Eligible caregivers are being contacted by their Child Care Payment Agency on a rolling basis, beginning with those who provided care between April and July 2025.

“This money is coming to me at a critical time of heightened economic strain,” said Jill Morton, a caregiver in Oakland, California. “Since I am a non-licensed childcare provider, I didn’t think I was eligible for this financial support. I was relieved that this money can help pay my rent, purchase learning materials for the children as well as enhance childcare, buy groceries and take care of grandchildren.”

Eligible FFN caregivers who provided care at any time between April 1, 2025 and July 31, 2025, who haven’t yet opted into the process, are encouraged to check their mail and email for an eligibility letter. Those who have cared for a child after this period should expect to receive communications from their child care payment agency in the coming months. FFN caregivers with questions may also contact the agency they work with to receive child care payments, or the First 5 Alameda help desk, Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. PST, at 510-227-6964. The help desk will be closed 12/25/25 – 1/1/26. Additional grant payments will be made on a rolling basis as opt-ins are received by the four child care payment agencies in Alameda County.

Beginning in the second year of Measure C implementation, FFN caregivers who care for a child from birth to age five and receive an Alameda County subsidized voucher will get an additional $500 per month. This amounts to an annual increase of about $6,000 per child receiving a subsidy. Together with more Measure C funding expected to flow back into the community as part of First 5’s 5-Year Plan, investments will continue to become available in the coming year for addressing the needs of childcare providers in Alameda County.

About First 5 Alameda County

First 5 Alameda County builds the local childhood systems and supports needed to ensure our county’s youngest children are safe, healthy, and ready to succeed in school and life.

Our Mission

In partnership with the community, we support a county-wide continuous prevention and early intervention system that promotes optimal health and development, narrows disparities, and improves the lives of children from birth to age five and their families.

Our Vision

Every child in Alameda County will have optimal health, development, and well-being to reach their greatest potential.

Learn more at www.first5alameda.org.