Forget Sexy: Barack and Michelle Obama are Bringing Culture Back
Jazz
nights, poetry jams … sounds like the makings of a great schedule for
your local coffee spot or music venue — not the White House. But since
they moved to 1600 Pennsylvania Ave., the Obamas have made it a point
to paint the White House cultured.
Back
in May, the Obamas pulled a Russell Simmons and hosted some “def”
poetry, a poetry jam to be specific. Among the talented folks on hand
were actor James Earl Jones and jazz darling Esperanza Spalding. Then,
earlier this month, Michelle Obama, kicked off a concert series
featuring some of the best in contemporary jazz music — including
performances by the Marsalis family. Classical concerts are soon to
follow.
So what does this say for
the cultural state of the country? A lot. It might lead to the
reintroduction of arts initiatives in schools. With programs like the
Kanye West Foundation’s newest, which features an innovative program
that give youngsters the opportunity to get involved with music after
school based on their GPA (much like participating in a sports program)
on the rise. This could be the beginning of a new day.
For years, arts programs in public schools have suffered tremendously, as budget cuts have slashed those programs first.
At
the end of the day, it remains to be seen whether or not the Obamas
will spark a resurgence in the love for the arts the way Franklin D.
Roosevelt did. But one thing is for certain, the White House will be
more alive than it’s ever been before. –rogue marie
