In a video the White House Facebook page shared on Monday, a 106-year-old woman fulfilled her dream of meeting the president as part of the White House's celebration of Black History Month.
As her name was announced, Virginia McLaurin squealed and flung her arms in the air when she saw President Barack Obama. “Hi!” she said gleefully, dancing a little bit with her cane waving in the air. The president laughed and grasped her arms.
“How are you?” he asked.
“I’m fine,” she said. “It’s an honor.”
Less than one minute into the meeting, McLaurin got so excited that she began dancing with the presidential couple.
After being awarded a plaque for her service with students who have mental disabilities in 2013, Virginia said her one wish had been to meet the president. She began a social media campaign to meet the Obamas in 2014.
“I didn’t think I’d live to see a black president,” she said.
Virginia was 104 at the time, and two years later, she rushed to hug the First Lady as the President of the United States followed her quick steps, saying “Slow down now, don’t go too quick.”
She held both of their arms and did a joyful little dance. The three posed for a photograph and Virginia could not contain her excitement.
“I thought I would never live to get in to the White House,” she said. “And I tell you, I am so happy.”
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