In her final speech, first lady Michelle Obama delivered some indirect barbs at President-elect Donald Trump Friday by saying diversity in the U.S. “is not a threat to who we are.”
An emotional Mrs. Obama told students and educators at the White House that immigrants “are part of a proud tradition that has made us the greatest country on earth.”
“Don’t ever let anyone make you feel like you don’t matter, or like you don’t have a place in our American story — you do,” Mrs. Obama said. “I want our young people to know that this country belongs to you — to all of you, from every background and walk of life.”
She added, “You see, our glorious diversity of faiths, colors and creeds is not a threat to who we are — it makes us who we are.”
Her voice cracking, Mrs. Obama urged children in the audience, “Don’t be afraid” of the future.
“Being your first lady has been the greatest honor of my life, and I hope I’ve made you proud,” she said.
• Dave Boyer can be reached at dboyer@washingtontimes.com.
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