Thanks karynn!

Cross-posted from GD..

“There’s a reason why I wanted to bring you all to Harlem today,” Obama told her guests. She said the neighborhood “is infused with a kind of energy and passion that is quintessentially American,” which acts as “a thread that connects all of us here today, no matter where we’re from or what language we speak.”

She noted the cultural impact of former Harlem residents on the country, who became “some of the greatest African-American artists this country has ever known,” ranging from writers like writers like Langston Hughes to musicians like Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald and Duke Ellington.

The first lady encouraged the women in the room to use this “opportunity” to share ideas on improving the lives of women and children in their respective countries."

Here's a pic from TOD at yesterday's UN luncheon~


@TheObamaDiary: Beautiful: First Lady Michelle Obama with First Lady of Ghana Lordina Mahama during UN luncheon in New York

http://theobamadiary.com/2013/09/24/chat-away-245/

Michelle is a spectacular First Lady. That lunch sounds incredible - pulling in all the energy of NYC's Harlem. I love the dresses of both first ladies.

and there's a whole big steamer trunk full of material upstairs just waiting.

As for the well-known Harlem Rennaisance, I've heard lately that Brooklyn has been picking up as well.