Black Woman in the White House May 22, 2013Expert BlogsOff

As the inauguration draws near and many anticipate the making of history, I wonder what if anything will be different for Michelle Obama as the first black first lady. Maybe you’ve wondered that too! Just writing that first sentence is sureal in itself. I can’t help but wonder if it will be different for Michelle and if so how? This causes me to reflect upon my personal relationships with women of different races and ethnicities and realize there are some cultural differences although we share the common bond of womanhood. sometimes the way we think, speak, relate and engage is much different and other times there are similarities. Different is not bad it’s just different.

Maybe you paid attention to the subtle differences or unique ways Barack and Michelle engaged with each other during this election year, maybe not. I paid great attention to Michelles style, demeanor and just the way she presented herself during this long journey to the white house. What I noticed were small things like giving her husband the “pound” or “dap” after a speech and the long loving embraces. I also noticed the “flavor” in her choice of attire for certain events and could clearly see her culture shining brightly through. Maybe you didn’t notice these things at all but when I speak to my sister friends we all seemed to see the same things, and felt accepted, validated and affirmed. In fact we commented on how refreshing it was to see Michelle be true to herself and not confirm to the expectations of the status quo.

With so many negative depictions of African Americans in the media and so few images of loving African American couples and families the exchanges and images of Michelle and her family was inspirational and comforting. What a pleasure it was to see someone who looked like me, my sisters, aunts, cousins and grandmother stand in this prestigious position. I believe Michelle’s presence alone was life changing. African American women have been termed angry, aggressive or too bold by some. It was affirming to see Michelle gracefully and openly express her true being while beaming with pride in being a black woman, the wife of the next president of the United States.

So will Michelle do anything different than the other first ladies? I don’t know, time will tell. I wish I could be a fly on the wall to see whether or how much of her culture is displayed or played out behind the infamous gated white house. What ever she does I am sure it will be done with grace, beauty, flavor and style. I eagerly await to see the influence, power and contribution Michelle Obama will bring to the world and women in particular. That in itself is a new and exciting chapter for women, particularly women of color. I can’t wait for the dream to unfold and become an essential part of the history of America and the history of women!

Has any one else wondered what might be different or what Michelle will bring to the table? If so, I’d like to hear your comments!

By Catrice Jackson

Share this Article

Recommended

See all
CLICK TO SUBSCRIBE to Your PINK eNewsletter.

What’s Hot
See all

Little Pink Book