It is because of them that I stand before you as First Lady of the United States of America. It is because of them that so many of these young women leaders can now pursue their dreams. It is a story that has unfolded across this country and across this continent, and also in my country - the story of young people 20 years ago, 50 years ago, who marched until their feet were raw, who endured beatings and bullets and decades behind bars, who risked, and sacrificed, everything they had for the freedom they deserved.Īnd it is because of them that we are able to gather here today. And as President Mandela once put it, “Regina Mundi became a world-wide symbol of the determination of our people to free themselves.” Church services, and even funerals, often became anti-Apartheid rallies. It was referred to as “the parliament of Soweto.” When the congregation sang their hymns, activists would make plans, singing the locations and times of secret meetings. But they agreed to take part, knowing full well the dangers involved, because they were determined to get an education worthy of their potential.Īnd as the Archbishop noted, that June day wasn’t the first, or the last, time that this church stood in the crosscurrents of history. Many of the students hadn’t even known about the protest when they arrived at school that morning. The police followed, first with tear gas, and then with bullets.Īnd while no one was killed within this sanctuary, hundreds lost their lives that day, including a boy named Hector Pieterson, who was just 12 years old, and Hastings Ndlovu, who was just 15. Thousands of them took to the streets, intending to march to Orlando Stadium.īut when security forces opened fire, some fled here to this church. It has been more than three decades, but those bullet holes in the ceiling, this broken altar still stand as vivid reminders of the history that unfolded here.Īnd you all know the story –- how 35 years ago this month, a group of students planned a peaceful protest to express their outrage over a new law requiring them to take courses in Afrikaans.

I am so proud of everything they have achieved.Īnd finally, I want to thank the leaders and the congregation of Regina Mundi for hosting us in this sacred space today. These are young women transforming their communities and their countries, and let me tell you I am so impressed by all of them. I also want to thank the Archbishop of Johannesburg for honoring us today with his presence.Īnd of course, I want to recognize our guests of honor –- these 76 extraordinary young women leaders from here in South Africa and across the continent. Thank you to the both of you for joining us here for sharing this moment with all of us. (Applause.) She has played a vital role in advancing equality and promoting development here in South Africa. I am also honored to share the stage with another remarkable leader, Baleka Mbete.

And from the bottom of my heart, I want to thank you for all of the kindness and generosity that you have shown my family for our visit here. And I want to thank her for her lifetime of service as a champion for women and children. I want to start by thanking Graca Machel for that just gracious, kind introduction. It is such a pleasure and an honor to be here with all of you today.

Keynote address