ARTS&LETTERS
By: Soror Rita Scott
Chat&Chew
Becoming
by Michelle Obama
On March 24, 2019, The Jacksonville (FL) Alumnae Chapter, Arts and Letters Committee in collaboration with the
Membership Committee presented a literary spotlight book Becoming, by Michelle Obama. The event was located
at the picturesque River House, located on the lovely campus of Jacksonville University. The event was attended
by 45 Sorors that entered a vibrantly decorated room with red & white table linens, bouquets of fresh white
hydrangeas, and memoirs of Michelle Obama throughout the room. The event started with sorors enjoying the
buffet of delicious hor d'oeuvres and mingling. We then took time to view a few clips of our lovely former First
Lady during her interview with Oprah Winfrey and a clip when our great former president, Barack Obama surprised
her on stage with flowers.
The literary discussion continued with sorors sharing their thoughts on the title of the book and how Michelle
shared personal thoughts on her journey. The facilitator, Soror Natalie Stockton encouraged the Sorors to share
how they are Becoming. The dialog was very energetic on how, black women are constantly changing; fulfilling
the role of Mother, Wife, Leader, Sister and Friend.
There was some great discussion on why Michelle Obama started her memoir with a story about making cheese
toast on a quiet morning, a few months after leaving the White House. The group concluded, that she lived in a
bubble for eight years and was now embracing the fact that she has this new freedom to live a different life. It was
also mentioned that growing up on the southside of Chicago; she was familiar with this comfort food from back in
the day.
As Soror Natalie brought the book discussion to a close, there were some intriguing final thoughts shared of how
personal Michelle Obama was in telling her story and the details included. There was considerable attention and
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appreciation for the love story of Michelle and Barrack Obama.
Everyone left feeling uplifted from the camaraderie
and pondering the question, “What Are You Becoming?”