Dear First Lady Obama,

Congratulations! The focus, for the last two years has been on your husband being the first African American man to run for and win the presidential election for these United States. I'm as excited as the next African American about this historical feat. I am proud to be able to say that I have finally witnessed some significant bit of history directly related to the people I am of and love so dearly. This has been the modern day movement of my lifetime and it fills me with great joy, pride, and optimism for the future of Black people in America. Yet, I am not of the ilk that believes the "dream" has been realized. In my opinion, we've only just now remembered that we have to continue to show up for work because so much more not only needs to, but must be done.

A Black man in the White House is not my only source of pride. For me, as a Black woman, it is far more important that YOU are in the White House, along with your daughter and your mother. For far too long, the images of Black women have been watered down by a comfort with light skin and an obsession with long hair and "softer" features. The rainbow that we come in has been underrepresented in a positive light, giving credence mostly to those who possess or are willing to pay for more...acceptable features based on the social climate we live in. As an educator on the elementary level, I see firsthand how the issues of race and class continue to clash with the spirits and self esteem of little Black girls. My heart is broken every time a little Black girl in my class draws herself with long blond hair. My heart is broken every time a little Black girl in my class mentions her desire to be Hannah Montana. Television and music are lacking in examples of how diverse and beautiful we are.

Your presence in the White House, and your role as the wife of the most powerful man, a Black man, in this country speaks greater volumes than I can even articulate at this time. I can only hope that the symbolism and the reality isn't lost on the masses who look like me. Your family is a live and in living color version of the hope and ideals The Cosby show provided. They served as a reminder to shoot for more, to value our families, to relate to each other in a loving and positive manner, to cherish our children and our elders. Black Love day is now bigger than a bootlegged day before Valentine's Day, but a picture that is created and recreated on a daily basis and visible each time a picture of you and the President is taken or aired. You have reminded us of the strength of women and the beauty of interdependence. You have given us permission to be tender and loving with our men. Your husband's ease with your role in his life gives Black men permission to accept that love and tenderness and to be open about how beautiful and necessary it is in their success. The example that you are setting for your daughters, for our daughters, reminds them that they are valuable as well and deserve to be treated with respect. The collective self-esteem of Black girls in this country, as evidenced by the ones I encounter in schools and on the block, is in the toilet. Now, they can see that it isn't necessary to be other than who they are to find the treasures that life has in store for them individually.

While it is the example that is being set, consciously or unconsciously for our girls, I am no less moved or affected by your example as a woman. I have learned the beauty of patience and perseverance. I understand those concepts as an individual, but it's often difficult within a union. We don't see enough examples of it or women who are willing to tell the truth about the work they've done to secure and maintain the love in their lives. When it is my turn again, I can only hope that I will approach my relationship with the same steadfastness and willingness to trust in the work. I hope that my sisters are picking up on the same example and incorporating it into their own lives and approach to loving Black men, as well as becoming examples for Black children.

I am bursting at the seams with excitement over what the future holds. I am certain that the political climate in this country will never be the same. At the same time, I'm more concerned with the future of Black people and the ways this country affects our lives. First and foremost, if we can find a rise in our collective esteem, we will be able to affect how we relate to each other and then how we allow the country to relate to us. This is not your job, but every cause has an effect. I can't wait to see what effects having the First Family being a Black family will have on Black people and the U.S. I can't wait to see how the First Lady being a Black Woman effects face and feel of Black women in this country. I can't wait to see how little Black girls who are loved and revered by their family effects the expectations that little Black girls in this country have of themselves, their families, and eventually the men they accept into their lives.

This is a shiny time in our lives and I hope we all have presence of mind to bask in the glow.

Congratulations once again to you and your family and best of luck in whatever active work you choose to do in your role as First Lady. I, and many others, will be rooting for you and willing to give a hand.


With great appreciation,

Ndygo Sunshyne