It was truly a radiant night amid the stormy weekend within the Masonic Auditorium as Michelle Obama illuminated the Masonic Auditorium for her “The Light We Carry: Overcoming in Uncertain Times” book tour.
Taking dry shelter in the palatial and historic Nob Hill venue, an adoring crowd consistently packed the theatre full enthusiastically ready to hear and see the dazzling former First Lady in person, with a few exclusively special guests along with her.
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A positive beacon of hope not only through the heavy winter rain, but also in the recent tumultuous political climate, Michelle Obama’s new book captures her formidable strength through compelling and transparent narratives of challenging life moments, elucidating her personal tactics to overcoming and adapting to hardships.
Such bravery and resilience through unpleasant situations both personal and global, such as feeling marginalized in college to being the first and only African American First Lady and living through the recent pandemic, along with her eloquent vulnerability in vividly describing her insecurities and adversities, are what truly elevate her new bestseller.
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It was this chance to hear such inspirational words in person that roared through the auditorium as Michelle took the stage both nights, adorning a gorgeous pantsuit and effortlessly rocking a chic braided hairstyle. Triumphantly shouting, “freedom!” Michelle flaunted her stunning new flowy locks to the crowd while also expounding that critics during her White House tenure, “wouldn’t have understood my braids.”
Such playful commentary was consistently met with instant applause and laughter, gracefully maintaining an ambience of lightheartedness and reverence that was equally balanced with Michelle’s more serious and emotional discussions on motherhood, mental health, and nationwide racial tension.
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First talk show host Conan O'Brien, then actress and comedian Tracee Ellis Ross, and journalist Michele Norris, all helped to moderate these edifying conversations for their friend on the different nights. Working through different passages and key moments from her book, Michelle noted her impetus for creating the new work came from many asking her for life advice during her last book tour for “Becoming.”
On Sunday, Michelle delved into deep topics of her mental health and perspective on life, and what that looked like during her childhood, college years, and later life in her presidency, the following one, and during the COVID-19 pandemic. “I was more stuck in my head,” Michelle described of her depression during recent times, shedding light on her emotions during such a pivotal and uncertain era before offering hope and advice for positivity. It is valid and encouraged to allow yourself and your children to feel “some pain and anxiety,” she declares, stating that being open to the reality helps build resilience, a better understanding of emotions, and a stronger skillset for problem-solving.
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Laughs, tears, and enlightening banter were all seen throughout the nights, eventually ending with Michelle reiterating her famous adage of, “if they go low, we go high,” highlighting the need to continue the fight for respect, equality, and progress.
Michelle’s sold-out stop during a rainy weekend solidified our city’s unrelenting commitment and perseverance through any challenge, greeting the former First Lady with memorably dazzling smiles enough to shine through all the darkest clouds.
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Photography by: Courtesy of Tasos Katopodis / Stringer/Getty Images
