106-Year-Old Virginia McLaurin Visits White House And Steals Hearts


Virginia McLaurin is 106-years-old, and like many she wanted to meet the first black president. Determined to make it happen, she started a social media campaign in 2014 focused on her goal. With the help of others who assisted with petitions, McLaurin’s dream came true.  Her wish was granted last week.

McLaurin Is Still  Full Of Energy At 106-Years-Old

According to McLaurin’s Facebook page, (yes she has one) she was born in 1909 in South Carolina. She relocated to D.C. in 1941, where she has resided ever since. Feisty and still full of energy, her glee as she was greeted by President Obama and First Lady Michelle was priceless.

She Never Thought She’d Get Inside The White House

The Obama’s were just as excited to meet McLaurin. Hugs were exchanged all the way around. McLaurin received compliments on her nails and abundance of energy from Michelle, and exclaimed that she never thought she would get to the White House, or meet the president and his black wife.

A delighted Michelle Obama told McLaurin,

“I want to be like you when I grow up.”

McLaurin responded,

“You can! I’m here to celebrate Black History!”

From Jim Crow Laws To Meeting The President

At 106, McLaurin has seen a lot of U.S. history,  both good and bad. She has lived through the appointment of almost 20 presidents. As a girl and young black woman she lived under Jim Crow laws in South Carolina before moving north.  Segregation in DC was different. Black communities thrived in spite of segregation. The doctors, lawyers, teachers and blue collar workers depended on each other and provided opportunities.

See The Value In The History Of Elders

MacLaurin can give first-hand testimony to the progress she has witnessed black people make in this country. If you have elder relatives sit and talk with them and get their stories. There is nothing quite as special as hearing personal accounts of history given from those still here.

MacLaurin danced while holding the Obamas’ hands. It was a magical moment for her, the Obama’s and for us. Black History Month 2016 was made sweeter with McLaurin getting her wish. She turns 107 Mar. 14.

Featured Image: Virginia McLaurin Facebook 

Video: You Tube

C. Imani Williams is a human rights and social justice activist. She writes to empower and give voice to those silenced through systematic oppression. Her work has appeared in Between the Lines, Michigan Citizen, Tucson Weekly, Harlem Times, Dope Magazine and various news and popular culture blogs. Follow the unapologetically black political culture critique @ https://twitter.com/Imaniwms and https://www.facebook.com/You-Have-The-Right-540358412796352/?fref=ts