Council on Women and Girls Friday Highlights

Welcome to the Council on Women and Girls Weekly Highlights! This week, President Obama met with Civil Rights icon Ruby Bridges. Ruby made history as she entered the hallways of William Franz Public School becoming the first African American student in attendance at the school, in 1960. A court-order forced the New Orleans school to desegregate which caused a wave of civil unrest in surrounding communities. President Obama praised Bridges’ resilience in the face of adversity by telling her, “"I think it's fair to say that if it wasn't for you guys, I wouldn't be here today."

This week, First Lady Michelle Obama announced nationwide commitments from major food retailers to open or expand over 1,500 stores to help provide healthy, affordable food to millions of people in areas that do not currently have easy access to fresh, nutritious food. Across the country, 23.5 million Americans – including 6.5 million children – live in underserved communities that do not have readily available fresh foods for reasonable prices.

And remember, if you have friends or family who would like to join our Council on Women and Girls efforts, please have them click here.

Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis Releases Guide Aiding Homeless Women Veterans                                

President Obama Supports the Respect for Marriage Act

The USA Women’s World Cup Team: An Inspiration to Girls Around the World

Investing in the Jobs of Tomorrow

Making History: $142.3 Million for 155 Communities Nationwide

Sixth Grader Advocates for School Supplies – President Obama Responds

First Lady Michelle Obama Joins Military Families for Harry Potter Screening

West Wing Week: 7/21/11 or "Two Minute Warning"

Monique Dorsainvil is a Staff Assistant in the Office of Public Engagement focusing on the Council on Women and Girls and LGBT Outreach