The South by Southwest (SXSW) festival has added a significant highlight to its already vast lineup for 2025 with the inclusion of distinguished guests, Michelle Obama and her brother, Craig Robinson.
The pair is set to elevate the event with their appearance on March 13, joining a notable roster of speakers and performers, kxan reported.
Michelle Obama, who served as First Lady of the United States from 2009 to 2017, has made a remarkable impact in various fields since leaving the White House. Her initiatives continue to motivate individuals across the globe. In her latest endeavor, she joins Robinson at SXSW to share insights and experiences that have shaped her path.
During her time as First Lady, Michelle Obama launched the Girls Opportunity Alliance, a program focused on empowering girls through education. Her influence extends into the literary world with her memoir "Becoming," which topped The New York Times’ Bestsellers list for an impressive duration of over 130 weeks.
The book has sold more than 17 million copies and garnered critical acclaim, winning a Grammy Award. Her storytelling prowess further manifested in "American Factory," a documentary by her media company, Higher Ground. This film won the Oscar for Best Documentary in 2020, adding to Obama's growing accolades.
Her foray into digital media with The Michelle Obama Podcast also broke records on Spotify, becoming the most successful original podcast to date. Obama’s voice continues to inspire and educate a wide audience, maintaining her influence well beyond her White House years.
Craig Robinson, renowned for his leadership in sports management, plays a pivotal role as Executive Director of the National Association of Basketball Coaches. His expertise in basketball extends back to his position with the New York Knicks, where he worked from 2017 through 2020.
Robinson's professional journey complements that of his sister, providing a unique perspective on leadership and teamwork. This session at SXSW promises to be an engaging conversation between two siblings who have excelled in their respective fields.
SXSW's lineup also includes music and technology titans like Tom Morello, Bryan Johnson, Lars Ulrich, and Ben Stiller. The festival offers diverse viewpoints, highlighted by speaker contributions such as Ayanna Pressley, Priscilla Chan, and Sir Tim Berners-Lee.
The session featuring Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson is scheduled for March 13 at 1 p.m., adding to the excitement surrounding SXSW. Anticipation is high for their insights, given the significant impact they have each made in varied arenas.
Hugh Forrest, an executive involved with SXSW, expressed admiration for Michelle Obama, recognizing her as a source of inspiration for many. He emphasized the alignment of her storytelling ethos with the festival's goals of fostering creative achievement.
"Michelle Obama has long been an inspiration to us at SXSW and to millions of people around the world. Her belief that we lift each other up by sharing our stories with one another is a core part of the SXSW experience and a key catalyst in helping creative people achieve their goals. It is the ultimate honor and an incredible thrill to welcome Michelle and her brother, Craig Robinson, to the 2025 event."
With this endorsement, organizers have set the stage for an unforgettable dialogue between the two siblings. This key session will capture the attention of attendees and audiences following the festival remotely.
In summary, SXSW 2025 is shaping up to be a noteworthy edition with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson set to join as highlighted speakers on March 13. From Obama's advocacy work and literary achievements to Robinson's leadership in athletics, their collective accomplishments promise to contribute a rich narrative to the lineup. Other prominent figures, including Tom Morello and Ayanna Pressley, further augment the festival's scope, ensuring a diverse array of perspectives.
