In 2014, Virginia McLaurin filed a petition to meet US President Barack Obama and his family. 

Less than 2 years later she found herself in the White House face-to-face with the president. (That's her in the video at the top) 

She was so excited that she started dancing, shaking her body and celebrating. 

It's not like this kind of elation is uncommon, but Virginia is 106. She's one of the oldest people in human history, yet she was moving with the exuberance of youth. 

The president invited Virgina to meet him as part of the White House's policy to meet with influential African Americans during Black History Month. 

Virginia said she has waited her entire life to witness a black president, so the inauguration of Barack Obama in 2008 must have filled her with joy. Actually getting to meet and spend time with Barack and Michelle Obama was a powerful moment for a woman who lived through periods of vicious racism. 

The Civil Rights Act was passed 52 years ago. At that point, Virgina had been alive for more than 5 decades. That's 5 decades where the rights of black people in the United States were systematically denied. 

So much has changed since her birth, but there is still so much farther to go. As part of Black History Month, it's important to reflect on the struggle for equal rights that has existed throughout the history of America, and the world. 

In the years ahead, this struggle will continue and global citizens everywhere have to do their part to help to achieve the goal of equality for everyone.

Virginia's meeting also highlights another issue: ageism. Oftentimes, old people are discriminated against and viewed as less than other members of society, incapable of thinking and acting. 

Virginia shows the fallacy of ageism. She's 106-years-old and full of life. Just as no person should be disciminated against because of their race, gender, sexuality, religion and so on, no person should be discriminated against because of their age.  

Life expectancies are rising throughout the world. It's estimated that there are 450,000 centenarians globally right now. This number will keep going up. And the individuality and dignity of every person who ages must be upheld.  

Everyone, of all backgrounds, ages and life should have the opportunity to dance for joy, be it at 106 or only 6 years old.