Michelle Obama closes out 4-day Culture of Democracy Summit

Former First Lady Michelle Obama delivered the keynote address tonight to end the four-day Culture of Democracy Summit at the Banc of California Stadium in Exposition Park.

"It is clear we are seeing a deep discrepancy about what we tell ourselves about this country and what we can see with our own eyes," the former First Lady said.

The summit was organized by When We All Vote, a non-profit group co-founded by Obama and several celebrity allies, including Tom Hanks, Jennifer Lopez, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Steph Curry, H.E.R., Kerry Washington, and Shonda Rhimes. The gathering's goal is to strengthen democracy through voter registration, education, and culture change.

"Last year alone 18 states passed bills to restrict voting," said Obama. "That's 87 million people who might find it harder to vote than they would have just a couple years ago."

The former First Lady also referenced the recent mass shootings in Buffalo, New York and Uvalde, Texas. 

"We tell ourselves our grocery store won't be shot up by a white supremacist, that our babies will be safe at school," said Obama"We are kidding ourselves that there's no guarantee that these things won't reach each and everyone one of us."

She said the only way to make changes is to make sure every vote counts. 

"I'm calling on anyone who cares about democracy," said Obama. "To stand up for everyone's place in it! This isn't a partisan issue it's an American one."

Speakers Monday started with a formal welcome from Laker legend Magic Johnson, and continued with discussions with co-founders Selena Gomez and Janelle Monae, along with actresses Wanda Sykes and Tracee Ellis Ross. NBA Player Chris Paul, who also helped found the group, and CJ McCollum and former Los Angeles Clippers coach Doc Rivers took part in the discussion.