During her keynote address at the GRAMMY Museum’s Jane Ortner Education Award Luncheon, first lady Michelle Obama advocated the importance of arts education.
“We cannot be satisfied until every child has some exposure to the arts,” Obama said at Club Nokia in the downtown L.A..
Through her support for art in schools, she applauded “Q.U.E.E.N.” artist Janelle Monáe for her efforts in teaching and mentoring young people.
“For many young people, arts education is the only reason they get out of bed in the morning, just like Janelle. For every Janelle Monáe there are so many young people with so much promise they never have a chance to develop,” noted the first lady.
Monáe, a six-time Grammy nominee, regularly credits the arts, specifically music, for her creative talent.
“All because of music, and music being my outlet, I stand here before you right now,” Monáe said. “Music helped me deal with my emotions.”
After gratefully accepting the honor, Monáe thanked the First Lady, calling her the “first electric lady of the United States.”
The “Electric Lady” was honored along with teacher Sunshine Cavalluzzi.
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