Stokes with President Obama. This was taken at a Benefit performance in New York City. President Obama was the special guest. Because I was the featured performer, I got to meet him in a small room with only about 20 other people (usually these events are huge and you only have time for a handshake and quick photo so the other 500 people can get their turns too).  We actually had time for a nice conversation and I gave him a copy of my book "Lights on Broadway with Brian Stokes Mitchell" for his kids which he warmly accepted. He was charming, engaging, relaxed and very friendly. I had been at other events where he was present, but this was the first time we actually met.