Obamas for SXSW

President Barack and First Lady Michelle Obama become the first sitting president and first lady to appear at SXSW. (Image courtesy of Whitehouse.gov)

Remember when it seemed like interesting timing when it was announced that President Barack Obama will be in Austin for a fundraiser on the first day of SXSW? Now the other piece of the puzzle has appeared, as both he and First Lady Michelle Obama have been added to the schedule as speakers.

Before his March 11 evening shindig, Obama will take part in a keynote conversation with Texas Tribune editor in chief Evan Smith about civic engagement in the 21st century. Then on March 16, the first day of SXSW Music, the first lady will deliver a keynote speech on Let Girls Learn, a global initiative pushing for the cultural and resource barrier that prevent girls from gaining a formal education.

This is obviously a huge addition to the speaker roster for SXSW, marking the first time that a sitting president, never mind the president and first lady, have attended the event.

SXSW runs March 11-20: more info at www.sxsw.com.

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