US first lady Michelle Obama smiles as meets with 3rd grade students at the Ferebee
Hope elementary school in Washington May 13, 2009
Born on January 17, 1964, in Chicago, Michelle LaVaughn Robinson Obama made history by serving as the first African-American first lady in US history.
As first lady, Michelle Obama has created initiatives promoting education and healthy living. She's known for her no-nonsense attitude — as well as her impeccable fashion sense.
In honor of her birthday, we've compiled 52 photos of one of America's coolest first ladies.
Secret Service agents avert their eyes as the Obamas share a private moment on Inauguration Day 2009.
The Obamas dance while the band Earth, Wind and Fire performs at the Governors Ball in the East Room of the White House, Feb. 22, 2009.
Mrs. Obama chats with students at the Ferebee-Hope Elementary school in Washington, D.C., after attending a meeting with Communities In Schools board members, May 13, 2009.
The first lady prepares herself before giving a speech in Washington, DC, May 20, 2009.
The first lady and then-Assistant White House Chef Sam Kass shell sugar snap peas she harvested from her garden with students from Bancroft Elementary School at the White House in Washington, June 16, 2009.
In this photo, the first lady looks over her speech before speaking at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.
Here, Mrs. Obama serves food at Miriam's Kitchen in Washington. The kitchen provides meals, case management and housing support to nearly 250 homeless men and women in the city.
The Obamas meet with Pope Benedict XVI at the Vatican on July 10, 2009.
The Obamas were welcomed by Queen Elizabeth II to Buckingham Palace in London while in town for the G20 summit.
The White House
The Obamas pose for their first holiday portrait at the White House.
Running across the South Lawn during an event to promote physical activity at the White House in Washington, May 25, 2010.
In this photo, she speaks to the people affected by the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill.
Reuters
Breaking a bottle of champagne at the christening of a new ship in Pascagoula, Mississippi in 2010.
In this photo, Mrs. Obama plays flag football with children, former NFL players and coaches during her "Let's Move" campaign in New Orleans.
Mrs. Obama plays hopscotch during the "Make A Difference" program at the University of Mumbai in Mumbai, India, on November 6, 2010.
