Talk with Laura Bush

Laura Bush, born Laura Lane Welch on November 4, 1946, is an American educator and author who served as the First Lady of the United States from 2001 to 2009. She is married to George W. Bush, the 43rd President of the United States.

Born in Midland, Texas, Laura Bush earned a Bachelor's degree in education from Southern Methodist University and later attained a Master's degree in library science from the University of Texas at Austin. Before her marriage, she worked as a school teacher and librarian.

As First Lady, Laura Bush was known for her advocacy on issues of education and literacy. She launched several initiatives focused on these areas, such as the National Book Festival and the "Ready to Read, Ready to Learn" program. Laura Bush was also active in promoting women's health and human rights issues. Internationally, she worked on global efforts to combat HIV/AIDS and malaria.

Laura Bush continued to be involved in education, health issues, and human rights after her time as First Lady. She has authored several books, including a memoir titled "Spoken from the Heart." She remains active in various charitable endeavors and serves on the boards of a number of institutions.

Laura Bush, who was a librarian before becoming the First Lady, championed several initiatives focused on literacy and education both during and after her time in the White House. Some of her major initiatives include:

1. National Book Festival: Laura Bush established the National Book Festival in 2001 in partnership with the Library of Congress. This annual event celebrates the joy of reading and encourages Americans to engage with diverse literary works and authors.

2. Laura Bush Foundation for America’s Libraries: Founded during her tenure as First Lady, this foundation provides funds to school libraries to purchase books and other library resources. The goal is to support the education of young people by enhancing their access to updated library materials.

3. Ready to Read, Ready to Learn: Laura Bush promoted this major early childhood educational initiative aimed at supporting teachers, parents, and caregivers to enhance the educational foundations of children so that they arrive at school ready to learn. It also included focusing on training high-quality teachers and improving early childhood education programs.

4. Reach Out and Read: Although not founded by Laura Bush, she was a strong advocate for this program that works with pediatricians to prescribe books and encourage families to read together. Her support helped raise awareness and expand the reach of the initiative.

5. Help America Read: This initiative involved mobilizing volunteers to work on improving literacy and education in America, encouraging more adults to get involved in tutoring and mentorship roles.

Each of these initiatives highlights Laura Bush’s ongoing commitment to literacy and education as vital tools for personal and societal growth.

Laura Bush was active in forming several partnerships to support her various causes, especially those related to education, women's health, and human rights. Some of the notable partnerships she formed include:

1. Partnership for a Drug-Free America: Laura Bush collaborated with this organization to combat youth drug use. She participated in public service campaigns and spoke at events to raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse.

2. The Heart Truth: A campaign sponsored by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, Laura Bush served as the ambassador for this initiative, which focuses on raising awareness about heart disease in women. She helped highlight the red dress as a symbol for women's heart health awareness.

3. Save America's Treasures: Laura Bush was involved with this program, which was initiated during the presidency of her father-in-law, George H.W. Bush, but continued to gain prominence during her tenure as the First Lady. The initiative aims to preserve and protect historic buildings, arts, and published works throughout the United States.

4. National Book Festival: In partnership with the Library of Congress, Laura Bush co-founded the National Book Festival in Washington D.C., an event that promotes literacy and encourages reading amongst Americans of all ages.

5. U.S.-Afghan Women’s Council: Working to ensure that women in Afghanistan gained better access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities following the U.S. invasion of Afghanistan in 2001. This council is a public-private partnership aimed at supporting Afghan women and children.

6. UNESCO Literacy Decade: Laura Bush worked with UNESCO to advocate for global literacy through her role as the Honorary Ambassador for the UN Literacy Decade (2003-2012), promoting international efforts to make literacy a global priority.

Through these partnerships and others, Laura Bush demonstrated her commitment to various social causes and deepened the impact of her advocacy by collaborating with established organizations and government agencies.

Laura Bush used her platform as First Lady to influence policy and raise awareness on a variety of health issues, particularly those affecting women and children. One of her significant focuses was on heart disease, which is a leading cause of death among women. She was involved with The Heart Truth campaign, which aimed to raise awareness about heart disease in women. Her involvement helped to highlight the importance of women's health issues and promoted measures for prevention and treatment.

Additionally, Laura Bush was instrumental in advocating for education and research on breast cancer. She participated in various initiatives and spoke publicly about the need for funding and research, which contributed to increased awareness and resources directed towards breast cancer.

Another health-related area where Laura Bush had an impact was HIV/AIDS, especially through her work in Africa. She supported the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), helping to address the AIDS crisis by focusing on treatment and prevention programs.

Laura Bush's efforts in these areas showcased how she leveraged her role to affect public health policy and education, advocating for better health care practices and raising public awareness on critical health issues.

Laura Bush, as First Lady, made significant contributions to the cultural activities of the White House. Having been a librarian and an advocate for education and literacy, she focused much of her cultural efforts on these areas. She was instrumental in promoting programs that emphasized the importance of reading and education.

One of her major initiatives was the annual National Book Festival, which commenced in 2001. This event, held on the National Mall, was co-founded by Laura Bush along with the Library of Congress. It was inspired by a similar event she had established during her tenure as First Lady of Texas. The festival celebrates the joy of reading and the importance of literacy, bringing together authors and readers from across the nation.

Moreover, Laura Bush oversaw the refurbishment and restoration of several rooms in the White House, ensuring they reflected the historical accuracy and cultural significance of the building. She also hosted numerous musical performances, state dinners, and other cultural events that showcased the arts and celebrated the diverse cultural heritage of the United States.

Through these efforts, Laura Bush sought to enrich the cultural offerings of the White House and highlight the arts and education as fundamental aspects of American society and civic life.

After her time in the White House, Laura Bush has continued to emphasize her commitment to education through various initiatives and programs. She has remained actively involved in issues related to literacy and education both domestically and internationally. One significant avenue through which she has pursued these interests is the Laura Bush Foundation for America’s Libraries, which provides grants to school libraries to enhance their collections.

Additionally, she has been involved in global education initiatives, particularly focusing on girls' education in Afghanistan through the work of the U.S.-Afghan Women’s Council. Laura Bush has also frequently spoken out on education issues, participated in conferences, and collaborated with other organizations committed to advancing educational opportunities.

Her ongoing efforts demonstrate a sustained dedication to improving education and promoting literacy, building on her legacy as an advocate for these causes during her tenure as First Lady.

During George W. Bush's presidency, various famous artists and musicians performed at the White House. Some of these performers included country stars like Alan Jackson and Lee Ann Womack, and classical artists such as Itzhak Perlman. At different state functions, Christmas events, and inaugural ceremonies, a diverse array of talents was showcased to entertain the President and First Lady Laura Bush. These events often included performances relevant to the occasion, reflecting the Bush administration's ties to American cultural life.

Laura Bush used her platform as First Lady to advocate for several human rights issues, both domestically and internationally. One of her notable focuses was on women's rights and education in Afghanistan. After the U.S. intervention in Afghanistan in 2001, she was vocal in spotlighting the Taliban's oppressive treatment of women and girls. She famously took over her husband's weekly radio address in November 2001 to focus exclusively on this issue, marking the first time a First Lady had done so.

Laura Bush continued to support educational initiatives for Afghan women and girls, arguing that education was crucial not only for individual empowerment but also for the broader goals of democracy and peace. She visited Afghanistan on several occasions and met with Afghan women, seeking to draw international attention and resources to help improve their conditions.

Furthermore, through her involvement with the U.S.-Afghan Women's Council, Laura Bush worked to foster public-private partnerships that helped empower Afghan women economically and socially. Her efforts also included supporting health initiatives, particularly those focused on heart diseases and combating malaria in sub-Saharan Africa through the Heart Truth and PMI (President's Malaria Initiative) campaigns.

By leveraging her role as First Lady, Laura Bush had a platform to influence policy and public opinion on key human rights issues, particularly concerning women's rights and health. Her advocacy efforts helped to raise awareness and drive action in these critical areas.

Discover and learn about people that are similar to Laura Bush.