First Lady of the United States Michelle Obama underlined her commitment to education during a conversation with South African youth, in conjunction with African youth channel MTV Base and Google+. 

Livestreamed at WhiteHouse.gov, the White House Google+ page and www.mtvbase.com on Saturday 29 June, Mrs Obama’s remarks will also feature in groundbreaking MTV Base TV series, MTV Base Meets… MTV Base Meets Michelle Obama will premiere to 52 countries across sub-Saharan African on MTV Base (DStv Channel 322) on Friday 19 July @ 17.00 CAT.

Mrs Obama was joined by hundreds of teens and young people from across South Africa at the Sci-Bono Discovery Centre in Newton, Johannesburg, while others in L.A., Kansas City, New York City and Houston took part in the event virtually thanks to Google+ Hangouts.  Thousands more watched the live streaming of the event.

Speaking movingly about the connections between the US and Africa, the importance of education and the power of young people to change the world, Mrs Obama urged young people to “use your education to make history and build a better future in the years ahead”, talking about her personal journey from poverty to White House thanks to perseverance and faith.

Michelle Obama inspires young people in SA and USA at MTV Base Meets Taping.... http://t.co/NCaHicjpNh

— Blaque Magazine (@Blaque_Magazine) July 3, 2013

Drawing parallels between the segregation struggles in the United States and the anti-apartheid struggles of the 50s and 60s, Mrs Obama urged young people to take control of their lives and aim high: “…you all have everything you need, right now...  You have everything.  You have a brain in your head.  You have passion in your heart.  And I know that if you’re willing to work for it and fight for it, you can be anything that you dream of.” 

MTV Base VJ Sizwe Dhlomo MC-ed the event, fielding questions from the audience and passing on messages sent in by MTV Base’s Twitter and other social media followers. R&B superstar John Legend joined students in Los Angeles to participate in the event while singer and actress Victoria Justice, ambassador for girl empowerment campaign Girl Up, beamed in from Houston.

Previous high profile influencers to appear on the series include former President Mandela, President Paul Kagame of Rwanda, President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf of Liberia, music icon Hugh Masekela, actor Idris Elba, and businessman and entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson.

To join the conversation about MTV Base Meets Michelle Obama, go to www.mtvbase.com, or follow them on Google+, Follow MTV Base on Twitter @MTVBaseAfrica using the hashtag #MTVMeetsMichelle.  

Click here to view the MTV Base Meets Michelle Obama gallery.

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