FLOTUS Michelle Obama believes every arts organization in the country should embrace the mission of the Grammy Museum in Los Angeles, which focuses on education.
During her keynote speech at the museum's inaugural Jane Ortner Education Award Luncheon, the First Lady noted that six million American children attend schools with no art or music classes.
"Arts are a way to channel ... pain and frustration into something meaningful and productive and beautiful, and every human being needs that, particularly our kids," she said, according to the Associated Press. "And when they don't have that outlet, that's such a tremendous loss, not just for our kids but for our nation."
The Grammy Museum first teamed up with Mrs. O back in 2009 producing concerts and music education programs for young people and bringing 1,000 students to Washington, D.C. to see live performances.
"Those are some of my favorite events at the White House," Obama said.
Singer-songwriter Janelle Monae was awarded the Jane Ortner Artist Award and Southern California high school teacher Sunshine Cavalluzzi was given the Jane Ortner Education Award for her unique curriculum weaving music into economics lessons.
During her acceptance speech, Monae revealed that music saved her when she was growing up in a rough neighborhood.
"Music helped me really deal with my emotions, when I could not articulate how frustrated I was," she said. "It gave me the opportunity to get it all out."
The 28-year-old entertainer is active with the Grammy Museum's educational outreach, entertaining students at the White House and at the museum.
"I hope we have more mentors," Monae said. "More mentors than superstars.
Since January 2009, over 130,000 students have participated in Grammy Museum education programs.
For more information about the programs and how to get involved, visit the Museum's site here.
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