First Lady Michelle Obama touted the benefits of having arts in school as she honored Janelle Monáe at the Grammy Museum’s Education Awards.
Physical exercise is important, but Michelle believes that stretching those creative muscles is also necessary. She took a brief break from her ongoing Let’s Move campaign to stress the importance keeping arts education alive and even expanding into more schools at awards Luncheon yesterday.
“So many of the young people walk away transformed with a new sense of purpose and hope,” she said during her speech. “Engagement in the arts can unlock a world of possibilities for our young people.”
She added, “For many young people, arts education is the only reason they get out of bed in the morning, just like Janelle.”
Janelle, who as being honored for her efforts in mentoring kids through the Grammy Museum’s education program, backed up Michelle’s argument by sharing that she was able to channel her feelings into creative projects. “Music helped me deal with my emotions,” Janele said. “I was able to write a song, perform or write a short story.”
With six Grammy nominations to her name, we’d say that music education was invaluable to Janelle’s life. The audience got to enjoy the long term results of her schooling as Janelle closed out the event with a four-song set, including “Q.U.E.E.N.” and James Brown’s “I Got You (I Feel Good).”