Michelle Obama, the author and narrator of Becoming, is a woman whose life story reflects resilience, dedication, and a deep connection to her roots. Born and raised on the South Side of Chicago, Michelle LaVaughn Robinson is shaped by the values instilled in her by her parents, Fraser and Marian Robinson. They emphasize the importance of education, hard work, and integrity, which become the guiding principles of Michelle’s life—reflected in the memoir’s thematic emphasis on The Role of Family. Her upbringing in a working-class family and a close-knit community influences her outlook on life and her sense of responsibility to others.

In her memoir, Michelle shares her personal arc from a young girl in Chicago to becoming the first Black First Lady of the United States. She details her experiences as a student at Princeton University and Harvard Law School, where she often feels the weight of being one of the few Black women in those predominantly white institutions. These experiences not only shape her understanding of race and identity but also fuel her commitment to advocacy for marginalized communities to ensure that others have the same opportunities to succeed.