Michelle Obama on Racism Surrounding Her Daughter’s Lives
The former First Lady and author Michelle Obama recently expressed her worries about the racism that her daughters, 22-year-old Malia and 19-year-old Sasha, might experience. She reveals the fear that all Black parents in America have today, following the racial injustice and police brutality in the media this past year.
The Becoming author spoke to co-host Gayle King of CBS This Morning about systemic racism in the United States amidst the guilty verdict of Derek Chauvin, the former police officer who killed George Floyd in May 2020. She said, “I wish I had an answer. You know, for me it goes back to — we have to get to know each other, and so much of what is going on is that if you’ve been raised to assume that all Black people are X.”
The former First Lady explains that while she is relieved about the verdict, progress still needs to be made. The Black community is unable to simply move on because many of them still live in fear every day just leaving their house. Michelle Obama’s husband Barack Obama put out a joint statement with her about the verdict on Twitter.
Today, a jury did the right thing. But true justice requires much more. Michelle and I send our prayers to the Floyd family, and we stand with all those who are committed to guaranteeing every American the full measure of justice that George and so many others have been denied. pic.twitter.com/mihZQHqACV
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) April 20, 2021
Michelle Obama feared for the safety of her daughters, Malia and Sasha, as they began driving. She said, “They are good students and polite girls… But maybe they’re playin’ their music a little loud. Maybe somebody sees the back of their head and makes an assumption. I, like so many parents of Black kids, have to — that the innocent act of getting a license, puts fear in our hearts.” As Malia begins the next chapter of her life after college, Obama expresses her worries about how people might treat her daughter or make assumptions based on her skin color.
She received backlash after her interview because people believe that even though she is Black, she is more privileged and immune to prejudice than the rest of the Black community. However, her supporters on Twitter had her back.
Been listening to Michelle Obama’s book. What an amazing journey. People that hate the Obama’s are just ignorant or racist. They are amazing people that worked their asses off from the ground up.
— Duke of Kātea (@Scarybooster1) May 6, 2021
Michelle Obama is an amazing person who deserves respect and admiration. All these folks hating on her are so damn full of racism they are choking on it. I never see one damn person with a legit complaint. Just pure racist hate.
— Democracy is still imperiled. Fight for it. (@MadameBeloved) May 8, 2021
White people after Michelle Obama points out that black people face racism: https://t.co/QrdlmvuADK
— Eli Sanza (@ejunkie2014) May 8, 2021
Michelle Obama’s book Becoming is available for purchase on Amazon. Make sure to check out her documentary of the same name on Netflix.
