Michelle Obama to visit Africa

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MICHELLE OBAMA — A black first lady is a coup in itself but one such as Michelle Obama is divine. Education, our history preaches, is the ultimate liberator and Michelle Obama and her husband are living proof of that. A descendant of slaves, with grandparents who left the South for Chicago, Michelle, who lists both Princeton and Harvard among her alma maters, is the modern everywoman, juggling it all—-career, husband and children. Whether it’s planting a garden at the White House, inspiring young girls to dream big or befriending the Queen of England, Michelle does it with style and grace, leading by example on her own terms. (AP Photo/Joel Ryan,File)

WASHINGTON (AP) — Michelle Obama announced Friday that she is heading to Africa on an official visit later this month, stopping in South Africa and Botswana to continue her work encouraging young people around the world to become active in their countries.

The first lady will visit Johannesburg and Cape Town in South Africa and Gaborone, Botswana, during the June 21-26 trip.

Besides youth leadership, Mrs. Obama will also focus on education, health and wellness.

Officials said the visit will highlight the important stake the U.S. has in the success of Africa’s many nations, as well as the historic ties between Americans and people who live in Africa. President Barack Obama’s late father was Kenyan.

South Africa is a political leader and economic powerhouse in Africa, and an example of a successful democratic transition on the continent. Botswana has held free and fair democratic elections since gaining independence in 1966.

The trip will be the second one in which the first lady travels abroad without the president. She will be accompanied by her daughters, Malia and Sasha, and her mother, Marian Robinson.

Last year, Mrs. Obama visited Haiti after its devastating earthquake, and Mexico.

Copyright 2011 The Associated Press.