Later this month, Michelle Obama will take an official state trip to South Africa and Botswana.

"This visit to two critical countries will underscore that the United States has an important stake in the success of Africa's many nations and underscore the historic connections between the American people and those who live on the African continent," her office said in a statement.

While on the continent, the first lady will focus on youth leadership, health and education -- issues that she has promoted during other official state visits in Brazil, the United Kingdom, Chile, El Salvador and Mexico.

This is the second time a member of the Obama family has been to Africa since Barack Obama became president; President Obama visited Ghana in 2009. In 2006 the Obamas took a highly publicized trip to Kenya -- home country of the then-senator's father -- where the two met family members and publicly took HIV tests to promote awareness of the disease.

Read more at CNN.

In other news: Patti LaBelle Sued Over Airport Beating.

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