Watch first lady Michelle Obama’s full speech at the 2016 Democratic National Convention
Michelle Obamais on the cover ofThe New York Times Style Magazinefor its current Greats issue, receiving love letters from some of the countrys best known men and women who describe how she quietly and confidently changed the course of American history.
The letters, titled To the First Lady, With Love, began with a note from Nigerian author and feministChimamanda Ngozi Adichie, best known for her 2013 TEDx talk We should all be feminists, which was sampled by Beyonc for her song Flawless.
Adichie writes that Obama first appeared in the public consciousness, all common sense and mordant humor, at ease in her skin.
Because she said what she thought, and because she smiled only when she felt like smiling, and not constantly and vacuously, Americas cheapest caricature was cast on her: the Angry Black Woman, Adichie continues, adding that she felt protective of FLOTUS because she was speaking to an America often too quick to read a black womans confidence as arrogance, her straightforwardness as entitlement.
Political activist and journalist Gloria Steinem also contributed her own love letter to Obama, writing She managed to convey dignity and humor at the same time, to be a mother of two daughters and insist on regular family dinners, and to take on health issues and a national food industry addicted to unhealthy profits.
Steinem touchedon Obamas elegance under the spotlight, saying She has lived a public life without sacrificing her privacy and authenticity.
ActressRashida Jonesmarveled at the First Ladys strength.
Michelle Obama embodies the modern, American woman, and I dont mean that in any platitudinous or vague way, Jones writes. Rarely can someone express their many identities at the same time while seeming authentic.
The letters come one week after Obama slammed Republican Presidential nominee Donald Trump at a New Hampshire rally for his rival, Hillary Clinton, after allegations of sexual assault against the businessman came to light.
I cant believe that Im saying that a candidate for President of the United States has bragged about sexually assaulting women Be clear, this is not normal, she stated, her voice shaking with emotion throughout the 30 minute speech. This is not politics as usual. This is disgraceful.
FLOTUS also released a documentary on CNN, titledWe Will Rise, with a focus on providing education for girls around the world. Her legacy as First Lady includes her initiative Let Girls Learn, which aims to help girls around the world attend school and further their educations.
Source: http://people.com/politics/michelle-obama-love-letters-gloria-steinem-rashida-jones/
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