As part of opening week at The Obama Presidential Center, former First Lady Michelle Obama and Nigerian, two-time Grammy Award-winning artist Tems surprised a group of young women participating in a songwriting workshop in the Center’s state-of-the-art Media Suite on June 16.
The workshop brought together 15 high school-aged girls from After School Matters programs and organizations from The Obama Foundation’s Girls Opportunity Alliance Network. Led by After School Matters teaching artist Me’Chelle Robinson, known professionally as Darkhoneeey, the session introduced participants to songwriting as a tool for creative expression, storytelling, collaboration, and self-discovery.
The experience offered an early look at the opportunities that will be available to Chicago youth through the Obama Presidential Center and highlighted The Obama Foundation’s ongoing investment in empowering young women and expanding opportunities through the Girls Opportunity Alliance.
During the workshop, participants worked together in small groups to create original songs and poems, drawing on their own experiences and perspectives. The young women explored the creative process while developing skills centered on confidence, clarity, conviction, and connection.
Before the students shared their work, Tems surprised the group offering words of encouragement and advice about pursuing their creative ambitions. She reflected on her own journey as a self-taught artist from Lagos and discussed her Leading Vibe Initiative (LVI), which she created to help close the music industry’s gender gap by providing young women with the type of resources and support that was unavailable to Tems when she was younger. Through workshops, mentorship, and access to industry leaders, LVI supports young women across Africa and the globe who are pursuing careers as singers, songwriters, producers, and creative professionals in the music space. Tems encouraged the participants to trust their voices, develop their craft, and see themselves not only as artists, but as future leaders within the creative industries.
Following the presentations, Michelle Obama made a surprise appearance to celebrate the young women and the work they had created together. Joined by Tems, Mrs. Obama listened as participants shared original pieces developed during the workshop and encouraged them to continue using their voices, talents, and creativity to shape the future.
The event underscored a key vision for the Obama Presidential Center: creating opportunities for young people to develop their talents, discover their voices, and build the confidence to lead in their communities. Through partnerships with organizations like After School Matters and initiatives like the Girls Opportunity Alliance, the Center aims to serve as a hub for creativity, connection, and civic leadership for the next generation.
Following the discussion, Mrs. Obama and Tems joined the young women for a group photo in the Media Suite.
