This year the Illinois Institute of Chicago hosted the 2019 Obama Foundation Summit. Michelle Obama turned heads and ignited Twitter. Michelle talked about what it was like to grow up on the South Side of Chicago and which she speaks quite a bit about in her book Becoming. Everyone on Black twitter was talking about how amazing it was to see FLOTUS rocking her natural hair. People raved about how awesome it was to see Michelle wearing her hair in its natural state.
In an interview with the podcast 2 Dope Queens, Michelle opened up about what she went through with her hair during her husband’s administration. Michelle literally had to structure her days around hair and makeup. To the people who are unaware of what it means to be a black woman with natural hair structuring one’s day around hair and makeup may seem like a bit much. However, the fact is that a black woman cannot just put our hair in a pony tail the take it down and just lightly brush over it for many of us it will not magically fall into place.
Michelle Obama Rocking Natural Hair
In order for our hair to be at it’s best a lot of maintenance, work, and planning is required. And when a black woman decides to have it straight for prolonged periods of time there is quite a bit of damage that will be done. If she chemically straightens it there will be chemical burns and breakage. We talk about the dangers of chemical straightening in our documentary film which you can check out here
If she straightens it daily humidity will cause it to be puffy and there will be plenty of breakage.
FLOTUS shared that her goal was to still have hair on her head after her husband’s term was over. Michelle talked about how during their time at the White House she had to always be camera ready. The most stressful time was in November and December due to all of the daily holiday events that were hosted at the White House. Michelle had to experiment and find styles that would keep her hair looking great and to remain healthy at the same time. For many naturals it is difficult to have our hair together for an in prompt to date night. Can you imagine what it means to have to be picture perfect daily while under such a critical public eye?!!
Michelle also stated that her family’s time at the White House was also a Black Woman’s professional journey as well. Many professional black women were comforted to know that even the first lady went through the same thing mentally that we go through on a daily basis.
2 Dope Queens Podcast
https://www.wnycstudios.org/podcasts/dopequeens/episodes/2-dope-queens-podcast-karaoke-michelle-obama