Former first lady Michelle Obama made a passionate call for civic engagement in Atlanta, headlining an event hosted by his nonpartisan organization, When We All Vote. Just a few days before the next one electionObama urged voters to move beyond political apathy and embrace their role in shaping the nation’s future. His speech draws on personal reflections from his experiences at the highest levels of power, warning against complacency and emphasizing the long and often difficult path to progress.

“Change takes decades”

Obama acknowledged the frustration many feel with the slow pace of change in American politics. “In this country, change doesn’t take days, it takes decades, y’all,” she said. “So it can be frustrating. It’s natural to wonder if anyone hears you, if anyone sees you. She stressed the need for patience, encouraging citizens to use their voices to demand better from leaders.

Reflecting on his years working alongside some of the world’s most influential people, Obama reminded attendees of the power held by those who fully engage in the political process. “I’ve sat at tables with some of the most powerful people in the world,” she shared. “And let me tell you, a lot of these people sitting at these tables have absolutely no idea what your life is about. They don’t care about your apathy. In fact, they welcome it. They are happy to have complete control of this match.

Reject Apathy, Embrace Power

Obama’s message urged his audience to understand that voting is essential to being heard, especially since many individuals and institutions prefer to keep power in a few hands. “You have a choice,” she said. “You can listen to them. You can fold your arms and stay home. Or you can listen to me… There are only a handful of very rich people in the world who can actually afford to remain indifferent to our politics.”

Obama emphasized that “the process continues, with or without you,” pointing out that by abstaining from voting, individuals may inadvertently strengthen the positions of those who do not prioritize their interests.

“Two things can be true”

Obama stressed the importance of expressing frustration and continuing to work for progress. “It’s our job to show people that two things can be true at once: that it’s possible to be outraged by the slow pace of progress and commit to your own pursuit of that progress,” he said. she declared to the audience.

Her criticism extended to the age of social media, where she commented on people being “hungry for likes” from their followers rather than genuinely engaging with the needs of the community. “We have people who are excited about voting on reality shows, but who are not willing to vote for their actual reality,” Obama said, urging voters to take part in political engagement.

A collective responsibility

When We All Vote, Obama’s organization, aims to increase voter and political participation, particularly among young people and communities that have historically faced barriers to voting. As Obama led a call-and-response campaign, chanting “When we all vote,” the crowd enthusiastically responded, “We win!” »

Obama stressed that voter participation is not just about influencing a election but to control the trajectory of its power and potential. “We don’t just choose the trajectory of our city, our state, our country: we choose the trajectory of our own power,” she said, calling on everyone present to engage in the political process .

A warning for the younger generation

Addressing young voters, Obama warned of the future impact of political apathy. “You don’t have the luxury of being indifferent to who’s in power and who makes the rules,” she said, explaining that those who abstain from voting will have to “clean up the mess.” She urged young people to act now, so that they do not end up feeling like strangers in their own country in the years to come.

A way forward

Obama closed his speech by calling on the crowd to hold leaders accountable and come forward. “How are you going to make sure those in power actually care about you? she asked, before answering herself: “It’s not by standing idly by…it’s by using the tools you have to make sure those in power really see you.”