Michelle Obama and Her Mother Grace Essence Magazine Cover
The May issue of Essence celebrates Mother's Day with First Lady Michelle Obama and her mother, Marian Robinson, 71. Essence editor-in-chief Angela Burt-Murray talked to the First Lady and the First Grandmother about retaining their family values, what it takes to raise good kids and being role models for the Black community.
First Lady Michelle Obama On...
Advancing the Role of Women Worldwide: "We have to talk about flex
hours and exercise and nutrition and health and what that means. And
we have to talk about values, and about our relationships with men.
All of those are part of the conversation that I think we need to
have, not just in this country but around the world."
Combating Stereotypical Images of African-American Women: "The women
in videos and the stereotypes are just not the truth of who we are as
a community. We already know that because we are living these lives
every single day. It's nice to have this reminder in the White House,
but I would say we don't need it...all you need to do is look around
your own community and you will see this same family in churches and
in schools."
Mrs. Marian Robinson On...
Advice on Raising Children: "The main thing that I think needs to be
taught to children is the ability to think and make decisions. You
don't have to have a lot of information, but you have to know how to
get through the process. If you make mistakes you don't [just] decide
I will never do that again."
Enjoying Life in the White House: "...I really am. You want to know
why? Because my children are good parents. It makes it very easy to be
a grandmother when your children are good parents."
"We wanted our Essence readers to see first-hand the dynamic bond between First Lady Michelle Obama and Mrs. Robinson. Both of these ladies are phenomenal women in their own right, and are each others' greatest fans. Their relationship is inspiring -- and they are a wonderful example for mothers and daughters everywhere," said Essence editor-in-chief Angela Burt-Murray Burt-Murray.
