The Root has previously suggested that Mrs. Obama take on Haiti as a personal cause because she can keep the country in the spotlight long after most of the media have lost interest.

You can get more information about Haiti on our Haiti Central page.

Mrs. Obama goes on to Mexico for a two-day visit. We recently ran a package of stories about Mexico's little-known African heritage. Those articles can be found here and here. You can also check out our photo gallery of "black" Mexicans.

Joel Dreyfuss is managing editor of The Root. Follow him on Twitter.

Become a fan of The Root on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter.