Michelle Obama speaks of 'hunger' for education

First Lady to give commencement address to Maryland students

5/17/2013

COLLEGE PARK, Md.  — Michelle Obama is using an address to college students in Maryland to stress the importance of education to the African-American community.

The first lady notes that Bowie State University was founded in 1865 to train black teachers and mentions the “hunger” that the school’s first students felt to be educated.

She tells graduating students that they’re carrying on that legacy, but she’s lamenting the lack of such desire in parts of the black community.

The first lady cites statistics that show college graduates live longer and earn more money than nongraduates, and says too many African-Americans are dropping out of high school.