Go, Tell Michelle, African American Women Write to the First Lady

On January 20, 2009, Michelle Obama will become the First Lady of the United States.  She follows in the footsteps of 43 other women, most recently Betty Ford, Nancy Reagan, Hillary Rodham Clinton and Laura Bush, who have held this prestigious position before her.  However, at the same time Michelle Obama will also make a new path as she becomes the first African American First Lady.  Throughout the nearly two-year presidential campaign of her husband, President-elect Barack Obama, Michelle Obama has demonstrated her intelligence, grace under fire, tenacity, perseverance and indefatigable spirit. 

As a wife, she has supported her husband through the worst of times and the best of times.  In his own words, she is his “best friend, love of my life and rock of our family.”  As a mother, she has made it clear that her first priority remains the well-being of her two young daughters.  As a daughter, she has shared stories of her close knit family, giving us a glimpse into the environment that nurtured her own development.  Although her father is not alive to share in the historic and transformative events leading to the new role she will undertake, in the true tradition of the extended African American family, her mother is moving with her to the White House.  What an extraordinary tribute to the legacy communicated by the proverbial saying, “It takes a village to raise a child”. 

Many of us have followed and participated, in some way, in this historic election process from its inception.  Our emotions have run the gamut from distrust and disbelief to belief, from despair to hope, from anger to elation and pride.  In President-elect Barack Obama and First Lady-elect, Michelle Obama, we have an opportunity in which our hope is revived, our faith is renewed and our spirits are rejuvenated.  

Millions of Americans have shared their well-wishes and congratulations with President-elect and Mrs. Obama.  The Uncrowned Queens Institute is requesting letters from women in our community as an expression of our support for the First Lady.  As African American women we want to send her a special message, grounded in our common ancestry and in the belief that our daughters have not only been inspired by her accomplishment but empowered by her example.  Letters to Michelle will include messages that will encourage, support and can take the form of a letter or a poem.  The Uncrowned Queens Institute will compile submissions into a publication, which we plan to have ready by the Inauguration.

We invite you to join us in this exciting endeavor, which in itself is an opportunity to participate in this historic moment in time.  Submissions should be between 350 -700 words (The Institute reserves the right to edit submissions), send copy to uqi@buffalo.edu by December 1st.   Completion of a consent form, which will be sent to contributor and must be signed and returned before submission is accepted for publication.

Send questions to uqi@buffalo.edu.