President Obama and the First Lady welcomed Virginia McLaurin, a 106 year old lady, a longtime resident of Washington DC, to the Blue Room of the White House as part of the celebrations during Black History Month.
Given her age, the Obamas could have been forgiven for expecting a frail old woman slowly making her way towards them.
Instead they were stunned when she energetically danced her way across the room, wildly expressing her joy at finally meeting them face to face.
Looking concerned that Mrs McLaurin could hurt herself, Mr Obama jokingly urged her to “slow down.”
But the dance party had just started as the old lady grabbed her cane and engaged Michelle Obama in an impromptu dance.
“I tell you, I am so happy”, she shouted, ” a black president! a black wife! And I’m here to celebrate black history. Yeah, that’s I’m here for!”
The White House reported how she was invited:
Virginia McLaurin had always dreamed of visiting the White House. “I thought I would never live to get in the White House.
A friend of Mrs. McLaurin’s reached out to the White House and shared that Mrs. McLaurin has been doing stellar work as a volunteer throughout the D.C. area for decades and would like to visit the White House.
So the White House made sure that she not only got to visit — but also had the chance, before the Black History Month reception, to meet privately with the President and First Lady backstage.
It was her dream to meet President Obama, given his passion for investing in early childhood education and his significance as the first African American President.
Virginia McLaurin is a Senior Corps volunteer at Roots Public Charter School as part of the United Planning Organization’s Foster Grandparent Program, serving as a foster grandparent and mentor to special-needs students. As a mentor, she helps children with their reading and social skills.
Virginia has volunteered at C. Melvin Sharpe Health School for over 20 years, serving 40 hours a week. She was introduced to the program by a friend from her church who knew Virginia was interested in finding ways to make life better for those in her community.
