Looks like the Obama family is going to be posted up in Austin for more than just a hot minute this month.
Previously announced that J. Cole will perform for the annual Democratic National Committee fundraising event, President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama (we’re going to miss saying that, by the way) will also stick around to speak at SXSW Interactive, pulling a double header speaking at both events on March 11.
President Barack Obama will appear as part of a keynote conversation at SXSW Interactive on Friday, March 11, while First Lady Michelle Obama will be the opening keynote speaker for SXSW Music on Wednesday, March 16.
As SXSW shared in a statement, this marks the first time in the three-decade-long history of the festival that a sitting President and the First Lady have participated.
As the schedule currently stands, Obama will sit down with the editor-in-chief of The Texas Tribune, Evan Smith, for a conversation focusing on civic engagement, and how to make creative ideas and talents work with today’s technology. Almost a week later, the First Lady will discuss the Let Girls Learn initiative, focusing on supporting education for the reported 62 million girls around the world who are not enrolled in school.
“I can’t imagine a better way to celebrate our event’s 30th year than to welcome both the President and First Lady to SXSW,” said SXSW Co-founder Roland Swenson. “As each new generation comes up at SXSW they look for ways they can be of service, and it’s important to reflect and support that message. President and Mrs. Obama’s visit here will inspire attendees to that purpose.”
