She has lived through two world wars, seen an end to black segregation, and this weekend 106-year-old Virginia McLaurin fulfilled her dream and paid a visit to the White House.
In a video posted on social media by the White House, Ms McLaurin can be seen shouting “Hi!” at the President as she walks over to takes his hand.
Asked if she would she like to meet Michelle, she makes a beeline for the First Lady, with the President laughing telling her “Slow Down, Slow Down!”
The three begin an impromptu dance as they hold hands and jive, with Ms McLaurin shouting “Woooo!” as the first couple tell her that she has just made their day.
First Lady Michelle tells McLaurin: “I want to be like you when I grow up.”
“I am so happy. A black president. A black wife. And I’m here to celebrate black history. That’s what I’m here for,” Ms McLaurin explains.
An online petition to grant Ms McLaurin’s wish to visit the President in the White House was launched a year ago.
Born in South Carolina in 1909, Ms McLaurin’s visit was organised as part of the celebrations for Black History Month at the White House, recognising Africa Americans who have shaped the US.
She has spent her life working as a housekeeper and a seamstress and moved to Washington DC in the 1940s.
She turns 107 next month.
Source Article from http://www.lonelyplanet.com/news/2016/02/22/106-year-old-lady-turns-visit-to-the-white-house-into-a-dance-party/
106-year-old turns White House visit into dance party
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/news/2016/02/22/106-year-old-lady-turns-visit-to-the-white-house-into-a-dance-party/
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/news/feed/
Lonely Planet Travel News
Travel news and more from Lonely Planet
You must be logged in to post a comment.