To Quote Michelle Obama:
"Success isn't about how much
money you make; it's about the
difference you make in
people's lives."
By Bruce T. Osborne, Sr. | June 24, 2023
The First Lady of the United States holds a highly important, powerful, and extremely visible role entrusted to her by America and its citizens. She represents the strength of the nation as the historical cobra goddess BUTO did for Egypt and Egyptians.
Barack Hussein Obama, Chicago’s Democratic Senator, rose to the highest and most prestigious position in America as the first Black president of the United States. With his newly acquired status came an elevation in his wife and Queen Michelle Obama’s political stature, making her the First Lady. The position was very challenging and demanding, requiring immense discipline, fortitude, critical thinking skills, and tenacity. It was a challenge that Mrs. Obama met and exceeded with dignity, class, and a spirit of humility.
From the onset, she won the hearts and minds of people across the spectrum — both male and female, young and the more mature, as well as diverse groups of citizens in America. Michelle had a goal to unite people of all walks of life around civility and a high standard of care for all, regardless of race, sex, gender expression, age, political beliefs, or ethnic background. Her goal was to restore the confidence in the American people for the Office of the President and White House politics. First Lady Obama famously said, “When they go low, we go high,” referring to those in the political arena who use their position to bully and attack innocent individuals at their discretion, without regard for anyone other than their own self-interest.
Michelle dreamed big as she educated America on the importance of education and maintaining a healthy as well as a more active lifestyle. She was a First Lady who cherished and pursued noble principals and was a visionary for truth and justice. Michelle continues her altruistic and educational endeavors through a host of programs designed to uplift America and its citizens.
The election of Barack Obama in 2008 as the first Black president of the United States of America was an idealistic determination and a bold statement by a diverse electorate. For the first time in history, the people of America spoke in symmetry to elect a president on purpose rather than race, class, or outdated American ideals.
President Obama’s victory placed a spotlight on his administration, and a target on his and the First Lady’s backs, leaving this newly elected president and his right-hand (First Lady, Michelle Obama) the monumental task of uniting the people and the world in a not so friendly or acceptable political environment.
However, the people had spoken, prayed and desired change from a newly tried presidency — one different from any president in America’s history. The people voted and placed their confidence in a Black man and his Black wife as the new leaders of the “Free World.” This president and his First Lady would have to be stellar in their approach toward repairing America’s deep problems and winning the trust and hearts of the American people, which had become problematic under the previous administration.
These problems were the culmination of internal and external disagreements with major decisions made by the Bush and Cheney administration. For starters, there were heightened racial turmoil and trauma, mental health issues, on-going inner-city violence, mass school shootings, a degrading healthcare system, and an overall feeling of despair and melancholy.
To further exacerbate the two hopefuls challenges, they inherited the worst economic crisis since the [1929 Great Depression], strife among many of United States’ allies, and two wars: the war in Iraq and Afghanistan, and some parts of the war on Terror. However, without question, Barack and Michelle did not delay in performing their tasks, nor did they let the voters down as their dreams and prayers for change had come to fruition under the Obama administration.
They, the people, finally embark on the much-needed modifications in the direction of the country. It was positive, noncombative, and uplifting — thanks to these two idealist — President Barack and First Lady Michelle Obama.
President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama embrace following the official swearing-in ceremony in the Blue Room of the White House on Inauguration Day. January 20, 2013. Standing, from left, are daughters Malia and Sasha and Supreme Court Justice John G. Roberts, Jr.
The reconstruction in U.S. policies under President Obama led the country toward fairness, truth, and economic stability for all. First Lady Michelle Obama championed various initiatives to encourage enhanced education, healthy living, and better assistance for families living in poverty. This was also a refreshing change from the highly confrontational presidency of George W. Bush and his warmonger, vice president, Richard Bruce “Dick” Cheney, who advocated aggression against other countries and groups that did not align with their narrative and policies.
Under the Bush and Cheney’s leadership, America became embroiled in the longest war in U.S. military’s history with Afghanistan (20 years, from October 7, 2001, to August 30, 2021), surpassing that of the Vietnam conflict (1955-1975). The Bush/Cheney administration also falsely invaded Iraq in March 2003 as part of the war on terror, resulting in the death of over 4,700 U.S. and allied troops, and more than 100,000 Iraqi civilians murdered.
Fortunately, and in a timely manner, the Iraq war was ended by the newly appointed President Barack Obama, who ushered in a more conciliatory and peaceful new world order. One which sought to understand first, open dialog, and then negotiate, as opposed to jumping into senseless wars. You better believe that the president’s decisions were carefully reviewed, orchestrated, and meticulously discussed with his valued and trusted First Lady prior to any final determination.
Under the leadership of the precarious duo of the Bush/Cheney administration, there was massive distrust and dissension among Black Americans and nearly all of the “United States’ allies.” It was time for a major political shift from the philosophical viewpoints of the Bush/Cheney presidency. Moreover, it was a time when many people of color needed to see significant progress in their communities on a monumental scale.
The Barack presidency brought hope, self-esteem, desire, and fairness to a political system wherein Black Americans thought the establishment was totally rigged and pointedly against them. (This is [not] to say all problems within the Black community have miraculously dissipated, as they have not. Many Black Americans felt that “much was given and much more was expected of the president. Yet, the team of Barack and Michelle was much better than the previous administration.)
The team of Barack and Michelle Obama constituted a difference in how Black Americans would be treated overall in America as opposed to the traditional non-Black political pundits in Washington, DC. For the first time in history, America’s leadership would be administered by a real Black family/administration having a genuine understanding of the issues which plague Black America. A family who looked like Black Americans for the first time in the White House as the “head and not the tail.” They had a complete family comprised of two Black children (Malia and Sasha), a grandmother (Marian Robinson), and Michelle’s brother, (Craig), and others who stood by their sides.
The reconstruction in U.S. policies under President Obama led the country toward fairness, truth, and economic stability for all. First Lady Michelle Obama championed various initiatives to encourage enhanced education, healthy living, and better assistance for families living in poverty. This was also a refreshing change from the highly confrontational presidency of George W. Bush and his warmonger, vice president, Richard Bruce “Dick” Cheney, who advocated aggression against other countries and groups that did not align with their narrative and policies.
Under the Bush and Cheney’s leadership, America became embroiled in the longest war in U.S. military’s history with Afghanistan (20 years, from October 7, 2001, to August 30, 2021), surpassing that of the Vietnam conflict (1955-1975). The Bush/Cheney administration also falsely invaded Iraq in March 2003 as part of the war on terror, resulting in the death of over 4,700 U.S. and allied troops, and more than 100,000 Iraqi civilians murdered.
Fortunately, and in a timely manner, the Iraq war was ended by the newly appointed President Barack Obama, who ushered in a more conciliatory and peaceful new world order. One which sought to understand first, open dialog, and then negotiate, as opposed to jumping into senseless wars. You better believe that the president’s decisions were carefully reviewed, orchestrated, and meticulously discussed with his valued and trusted First Lady prior to any final determination.
Under the leadership of the precarious duo of the Bush/Cheney administration, there was massive distrust and dissension among Black Americans and nearly all of the “United States’ allies.” It was time for a major political shift from the philosophical viewpoints of the Bush/Cheney presidency. Moreover, it was a time when many people of color needed to see significant progress in their communities on a monumental scale.
The Barack presidency brought hope, self-esteem, desire, and fairness to a political system wherein Black Americans thought the establishment was totally rigged and pointedly against them. (This is [not] to say all problems within the Black community have miraculously dissipated, as they they have not. As many Black Americans felt that “much was given and much more was expected of the president. Yet, the team of Barack and Michelle was much better than the previous administration.)
The team of Barack and Michelle Obama constituted a difference in how Black Americans would be treated overall in America as opposed to the traditional non-Black political pundits in Washington, DC. For the first time in history, America’s leadership would be administered by a real Black family/administration having a genuine understanding of the issues which plague Black America. A family who looked like Black Americans for the first time in the White House as the “head and not the tail.” They had a complete family comprised of two Black children (Malia and Sasha), a grandmother (Marian Robinson), and Michelle’s brother, (Craig), and others who stood by their sides.
President Barack Obama and the First Lady Michelle Obama wait in the Green Room before hosting a Diplomatic Corps Reception in the East Room of the White House, October 5, 2010.
The two were a power-team that was well organized, intelligent, fierce, and when needed to be, they (the Obamas’) were magnanimous when empathy was required in their dual positions throughout their tenure as the president and first lady. Both leaving office with dignity, unscathed by the traditional White House and the media’s scuttlebutt and drama of past presidential families’ drug issues, i.e. extra marital affairs, corruption, etc.
Not surprising, the Black community had knew Michelle wasn’t going to have it any other way. She was the quintessential of a strong Black woman and is a formidable opponent when it comes to her family, community, and protecting them from outside harm. First Lady Michelle was and still is a “strong, smart, sassy, sincere, serious, sexy, sophisticated, and a self-made“ African American woman. Simply put, Michelle Obama is seen as “Super Woman.“
Michelle established herself as a champion of [all] the American people while maintaining her identity with her cultural roots, never forgetting the historical past of her people and the indignity in which was brought to bear on them as a result of racial indifference, subjugation, and slavery.
First Lady Obama is bold and generous with her advice, extending herself to help in any way possible to assist the less fortunate. It is a trait that was manifested in her upon birth and cultivated by her watchful and caring parents. This iconic woman, [Michelle LaVaughn Robinson-Obama], smashed/obliterated the glass ceiling in many ways for women in politics, business, and people of color. For one, she was not just the “first Black First Lady,” she was a proud and unapologetic Black woman with dark complexion. She was and still is an African American woman with high moral values and extraordinary virtues.
First Lady Michelle Obama, represented a move for change across a wide section of woman around the world who have been discriminated against because of their sex. This includes those who received less pay than their male counterpart, were turned down for employment as a result of the good-ole-boy network, or deprived a good education, etc. Michelle Obama stood up for all women, demanding a change in the way they were treated by the business and political establishments.
Michelle is a tall statured, beautiful, and an imposing figure, whose mere existence spoke directly to women with skin of deep color across an array of ethnic and cultural environments. She helped to expand the narrow definition of mainstream beauty, smarts, and leadership abilities.
Michelle was everything young Black women and little Black girls aspired to be but was overlooked, misunderstood and ostracized because of their complexion. As America’s First Black, First Lady, Ms. Obama’s image and actions helped to increase the self-esteem, awareness of life, and success among [all] women, and especially young Black girls who looked like her. Notwithstanding, her extraordinary skills and her own “benchmark” successes in her personal life prior to assuming the position as the president’s chief confidant, protector, and being his number one advocate. Michelle Obama did not come from royalty as we might know it — the wealth, ostentatious surroundings, and the lavishly constructed stately houses.
No. Michelle came from a different type of royalty. She was raised in a loving home on the rough streets of the South Side of Chicago, like many of her loyal fans in America’s urban communities. She is unapologetic and unashamed of it. Although they did not possess the wealth of the elites, she had a good family and was raised by caring and selfless parents (Fraser and Marian Shields – Robinson), who made sure their children were equipped with the essential and commonsense skills of [family-values, hard work, and a good education].
They believed and drilled into their children that having good educational skills and high morals, were necessary to live a loving, uplifting, productive, and righteous life. It was a typical family environment where the father went to work, and the mother stayed home and took care of the children. Michelle’s mother was an “at-home CEO,” with the important task and challenge of taking care of both Michelle and her brother, Craig, in a city having the typical “major” problems: over crowed, gun violence, teenage pregnancy, drug abuse, and more. Yet, she (Ms. Obama) overcame all of it due to her laser focus and positive upbringing: the positive treatment and instruction she received from her loving parents throughout her childhood.
One important life lesson Michelle learned from her father was when he fell ill to multiple sclerosis, and how it did not deter him from his obligations to his responsibilities at home or work. It was a lesson in conviction and [unwavering certainty while performing a particular function or duty.] A natural fighter, her father refused to give into the disease, fighting to the last minute.
He, Fraser, refused to be beaten by this dreadful disease. A disease that threatened his ability to amass the finances to send his daughter to college. Focused purely, without distraction, he fought audaciously everyday to get up each morning as if there was no issue(s) in his life. He learned quickly to use two-canes to make the journey to his job in order to fulfill his obligation at work and to his daughter by sending her to college so she could fulfill her own life’s dreams and aspirations.
Michelle represents every parent’s dreams of having their children live a life five-times better than theirs, and enhancing their family’s cultural lineage. I say to all women, and especially those of a darker hue, when in doubt, think about this strong, educated, and beautiful Black woman who absorbed all the lesson from a caring mother and father. How Michelle followed their supportive directions and wisdom to ultimately succeed in her life’s pursuit.
And where you may not have a mother, and/or father in your life, let Michelle’s strength and determination be your guiding light. Learn from First Lady Obama’s various struggles and her uplifting leadership style. (I say this not only for the females, but to males as well who have been equally discriminated against as we all learn from sight, sound, action, or inaction.)
Mrs. Obama, a tough but compassionate young woman, having her mother’s and father’s passion, and wishes of success in mind earned a college degree from two Ivy League schools: a bachelor’s degree from Princeton University, and a juris doctor degree from Harvard Law School. She then joined the law firm of Sidley Austin in Chicago.
It was there where Michelle Robinson met Barack Obama, who she had the auspicious assignment of being his mentor. It was a union designed and administered by God. They were perfectly yoked; both being spiritually directed towards public service. Michelle focused all her energies to people and public service.
She became the assistant commissioner of planning and development in Chicago’s City Hall and was also the founding executive director of the Chicago Chapter of Public Allies. An AmeriCorps program which prepares young girls and boys for public service. A necessary imperative in urban as well as rural communities to take control of and govern their own lives. (Michelle believes in reaching-out to others, as it takes a village for one to succeed in today’s fast paced electronic environment.)
The First Lady, a constant innovator, would not settle until she found the right experience that would complete her dream of pushing people to their limits. Consequently, she (Mrs. Obama) in 1996, took on a job at the University of Chicago as an associate dean of students. It was a program almost tailored to her short and long-range plans to uplift young people, especially those from the hard streets of Chicago and similar communities across America which she has lived in for many years. In her new position, Michelle immediately went to work by developing the university’s [first] community service program to help those who might not have ever been able to, or have the desire to go to college.
After her years in community service with the university, she move-on to the University’s Medical Center in 2002, and in a short-time period, (recognizing her outstanding abilities), this very capable woman with the drive of “the American abolitionist, Harriet Tubman,” was catapulted in 2005 to the position of Vice President of community and external affairs.
During the President’s first term in office, Michelle started the “Let’s Move” campaign targeting one of America’s most troubling circumstances; childhood obesity. The program was a considerable success! Members of the business, religious, and education communities to parents and others worked seamlessly to assist Michelle in providing nutritious meals to schools, and in bringing healthy as well as affordable food choices into underserved communities.
This undertaking spawned a wide range of plant vegetable gardens across America. It also provided the desired opportunity for kids to move from the sedentary lifestyle of sitting in the house on the computer/screens to moving outside for games and other outdoors activities. Thereby, becoming more in tune with the environment, natures lakes, wooded areas, gardens, wide-open green space, and breathing valuable fresh air, all while being more active. A requirement to build strong bones, reduce weight, and build upon their inventive mind skills by exploring the great outside.
In the course of her second term in the Whitehouse, Michelle created a “Reach Higher Initiative,” designed to educate students on the viabilities, and necessities of a good education, job opportunities, and the skill(s) required to perform in a particular career choice. Michelle pushed kids to climb as high as they could to reach heights beyond their expectation.
In other words, her “mantra” was to reach for the galaxy, and you will get a star [maybe two]. To go beyond the standard high school, whether it’s a trade school, community college, or university, but to be and do the best that you could. Keep your eyes on the prize. Lastly, but not the least, Michelle, as her own mother was the CEO of both daughters: Malia and Sasha. She made certain that they too fulfilled their educational and moral requirements, and that they knew the importance of giving back to the underrepresented, underserved, and downtrodden in society.
We have likened Michelle Obama to BUTO because of their similarities in supporting not only families and communities of color but all the people under both of their direction and care. Additionally, Michelle Obama was recognized for her support of the supreme leader of the country, her handsome, intelligent, caring, and stylish-husband, America’s President and leader of the free-world — Barack Obama. First Lady Michelle Obama is the Black community’s Camelot. (Her name, and position — “Michelle LaVaughn Robinson-Obama, America’s First Lady,” will forever resonate in the minds and spirit of the African American/Black community as their leader during a time of hope, excitement, equity, as well as a period where one could believe in themselves whether female or male.)
First Lady Michelle Obama is BUTO! The Queen/goddess of America and its people. She is not a replacement of the living God, just someone who possess strong values, morals, beauty, intelligence, and integrity — which people can model, follow, and gleam vital health and life-changing information and direction. Michelle Obama is an extremely experienced and trusted mentor. She is an adviser to all who needs help navigating life’s multilevel dilemmas.
First Lady Michelle Obama and children double-dutch jump rope during a taping for the Presidential Active Lifestyle Award (PALA) challenge and Nickelodeon’s World-wide Day of Play, on the South Lawn of the White House, July 15, 2011
First Lady Michelle Obama host former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, Dr. Jill Biden, and Maria Eitel, new CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service, at the White House, April 21, 2009.
To clarify for everyone, she, “Mrs. Obama,” should not be compared to Jackie (O) Kennedy (Camelot). Absolutely not! She is our “Michelle LaVaughn Robinson Obama.“America’s standard-bearer for justice, equality, and fairness. A lady who has established her own unique and individual seat on America’s thrown of superior leaders.
She is our BUTO, the Egyptian goddess (America’s Queen), embodying the sun’s radiant heat and protector of the president — her King — and the people of America. We love the First, First Lady, and we won’t miss her or say goodbye, because we know she will always be looking for the next opportunity to elevate someone or some community in need of assistance, no matter where it is on this planet. It is in her nature!
First Lady Michelle Obama waves goodbye to her many supporters — a broad and multicultural citizenry that will never forget her brass or the humility she brought to the “Office of the First Lady.” She stood-up and fought for all Americans in a way that was genuine and real. We will never forget her or the family of the Obama’s—they are a “Class Act.” Thank you, First Lady!