107-year-old Virginia McLaurin is living proof that good things happen to good people. The 107-year-old dancing granny danced her way into all of our hearts last month as she visited the White House for Black History Month. Then 106 years old, McLaurin shocked President and First Lady Obama with her exuberance and non stop dancing. McLaurin was visibly ecstatic to meet the United States first Black president and his wife.
We learned then that Virginia McLaurin was no every day grandma, the then 106-year-old was still actively working, volunteering 40 hours a week at Washington D.C’s Roots Public Charter School. She helps students with their reading and social skills, and mentors children with special needs.
Since McLaurin’s visit to the White House the internet has not stopped buzzing about her and she’s been busy.
McLaurin turned 107 a week ago on March 12. She received an abundance of gifts and surprises. McLaurin volunteers as a foster granny at the Roots Public Charter School, for her birthday the director of the Foster Grandparent program, Cheryl Christmas put together a “Let’s Dance” birthday party for the centenarian. 300 guests were invited and the event was hosted by local radio personalities from WHUR-FM. Check out video footage below.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B6eXb9dwE_U]
McLaurin was also gifted with a $5,000 home makeover from Howard University Radio and Bob’s Discount Furniture.
That’s not all though, possibly the most exciting gift she received, Virginia McLaurin was awarded the President’s Volunteer Service Achievement Award for Lifetime Achievement in honor of her long time community service by President Obama. The PVSA, an initiative of the Corporation for National and Community Service honors individuals for their exemplary volunteer service during a 12-month period or over the course of a lifetime. The dancing granny can be seen wearing her medal as she dances with two of the world famous Harlem Globetrotters.
McLaurin continues to make news, Tuesday March 16th she danced across our screen again, this time with the famed Harlem Globetrotters. Globetrotters Moose Weekes and Zeus McClurkin visited with McLaurin and some of the students of Roots Public Charter School in celebration of her 107th birthday. The ballers brought more gifts. In addition to a Harlem Globetrotters themed cake and jersey with the # 107 emblazoned on it, Weekes and McClurkin presented McLaurin with 107 tickets to an upcoming game to share with the students. Check her out with the Harlem Globetrotters below.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ZJLockzeYg]
McLaurin was so happy she could dance and she did. The Globetrotters danced right along with her before performing a variety of tricks for the kids. McLaurin briefly spoke with the children urging them to “obey their parents” and to “go to school and get all the education they can.”
In an interview with Global Grind when asked What’s the secret to living a long life? What are five things you can’t live without? McLaurin answered,
“Serve the Lord, live humble, treat people the way I want to treated, fill your life with love everyday loving people…especially children. The Lord gave me a long life and I appreciate He let me live this long.”
Virgina McLaurin’s story and ever happy spirit has touched people across the globe. Since then a campaign has been launched so people can donate to McLaurin. The campaign has raised more than half of it’s $50,000 goal. To support Ms. McLaurin staying active feel free to visit the campaign and/or donate at https://www.youcaring.com/virginia-mclaurin-529283. She also has a Tumblr page full of photos and more.
