The momentous occasion took place at the 3rd Annual Martha’s Vineyard Community and Purpose Series, where former first lady Michelle Obama made a rare appearance that left The O’Jays lead singer, Eddie Levert, in awe. Levert, 82, was presented with the legacy award and expressed his one wish of meeting the first black first lady. Lucky for him, Obama was in attendance to support her friends and honor their achievements, making Levert’s dream a reality.
As Levert shared stories of the challenges faced during the segregation era, including having to drink out of black water fountains and touring under discriminatory conditions, the audience was moved by his experiences. The event, hosted by Spike Lee and his wife Tonya Lewis Lee, featured Pastor A.R. Bernard as a speaker, setting the stage for an emotional encounter between Levert and Obama.
After receiving his honor, Levert was escorted off stage by Spike Lee, where Michelle Obama was waiting to greet him. Witnessing the meeting between the legendary soul singer and the former first lady was described as heartwarming and tear-inducing. Obama took the time to connect with Levert, even posing for photos with his wife and daughter, leaving a lasting impression on the music icon.
The profound impact of the meeting was evident as Levert couldn’t stop talking about his encounter with Michelle Obama the next day. Host Bernard Chiu arranged an intimate luncheon for Levert and the authors at his HarborView Hotel, where Levert humorously expressed his admiration for Obama, stating, “Michelle Obama is my girl crush.” The genuine admiration and respect for Obama from Levert only added to the significance of their meeting.
Michelle Obama’s presence at the community event hosted by James Hester and Marvet Britto did not go unnoticed, despite her low profile. Locals who were aware of her attendance expressed gratitude for her choice to celebrate with the community at the historic Tabernacle in Oak Bluffs. The event provided a cross-generational platform for community engagement, contrasting with the high-powered events and fundraisers typically associated with the area.
Among the guests, Eric Holder received a warm reception and wild applause as he took the stage, emphasizing the political undertones of the event. Holder, whose law firm vetted Vice President Kamala Harris’ VP pick Tom Walz, declared Harris the future POTUS, drawing connections between the event and the political landscape. The event served as a unique blend of music, art, politics, and community engagement, with Michelle Obama’s presence adding a touch of elegance and significance to the occasion.