True. How is she black if she's as white as the white backdrop???

stop the MADness! lite brite 75% white "sister" still on a mission to prove her blackness.

I grew up on your writing, I miss you, and puhleeeease tell me you'll post here frequently! Also, where else can I find your work?

Correction - I know that Michaela would never refer to UN-NATURAL or permed hair as "slave hair"

Indeed - Michelle Obama is changing the perception of African American women around the world. Her class, beauty, and poise have set a new standard for ALL women. But to the point about "slave hair" - Michaela is nationally known for analyzing African American culture and creating dialogue about being black and being beautiful. I know that she would never refer to natural hair as "slave hair" - and according to this piece she feels that Michelle Obama's hair is simply beautiful as it reflects Michelle's authentic beauty.

Thank you Michaela for uplifting women - ALL women!!

Awesome piece Michaela!!

PLEASE keep talking about black beauty issues - we need more discussion about this topic. "Good Hair" started the conversation and it is up to us to continue it beyond races.

My favorite line from this article, "What Michelle represents is real freedom for Black women to define their own authentic beauty and not as it compares to those who have been historically glorified."

coils apiary stork begin sum insensitive prows!.

I want to know what Ms. Davis thinks about Michelle Obama's choice of hairstyle because she's often referred to relaxed, weaved and other "un-natural" looks as "slave hair". To me such an ugly title for it uglies our right of choice.

MICHELL OBAMA IS UGLY AND HER HAIR IS NAPPY!!!! SHE NEEDS A STRONGER PERM.

Guteb Tag Ich haise Goga

Sister Toldja: No. Please don't read between the lines because you're wrong. I do not question all light skin black people's authenticity. I question Michaela's and her CONSTANT need to always blame the white man. It's tired and hints at an underlying personal affliction.

If I see a big beautiful picture of Michelle Obama I'm going to stop and read. Period. And as a reader it is my prerogative to challenge the CONTENT of the writer and voice MY opinions.

I thoroughly enjoyed this. I wanna be like Michelle when I grow up.

Great piece! Michele Obama is changing the global face of the African American woman. She represents something that is far more honest than the video freaks and the singer/dancers. Even though Michele Obama has done some extrordinary things and is of a socio-economic class that is far beyond most of her sister-contemporaries, her background and her committment to her family and community are so true to American Black female life. Every Black woman is not Michele Obama. Her presence doesn't undo the existence of the Karrine Steffans, but it informs a lot people that we are so much more than booty shakers and ballad singers. It's sad that people need to be told that, but they do.

Dee- Your comments are very disturbing. You seem to be implying that light complextioned folks are not "authentic" Black people and thus, any discussion of race from lighter skinned people is usually done as an affirmation of Blackness. That's absurd. Blackness is not weighted by complextion. Furthermore, look how many of our freedom fighters were light complextioned or even biracial: Huey P., Kathleen Cleaver, Bob Marley, Adam Clayton Powell.

Furthermore, if you are tired of reading about a writer's chosen subject matter, then perhaps you shouldn't read that writer. You shouldn't challenge a scribe's ability to choose her content because it isn't pleasing to you.

Ms. Davis, for such a short article, you made many great points. The FL invokes discussions across the social lines.

"What does Michelle's uneventful extraordinary life and style do to the mainstream image of beauty?"

For the under 45 age group of women, the I Don't Let Anyone Define My Imagine generation, it is a sigh of relief to see someone like themselves in the position of FL. Everything the FL says, does or wear are held in the highest of esteem.

For the over 45 group of women, the Super Woman generation, there is definitely a sense of pride with the FL, but when the lens are around, there is the desire for the FL to always maintain the fine line of a dignitary or a dignitary's spouse. Tip: Stylish casual wear is allowed while exiting Air Force One, and don't let the public see you ignore your husband.

Wow! This is an amazing summary of an amazing woman. I love this. I will circulate this link to as many sisats as possible. I am loving the article but am a little disheartened that some of the comments are reducing her to her choice of relaxed hair as if this is something new and groundbreaking/rebellious for african american women. If she, I or we choose to relax our hairs, its on her/my/our heads, paid for with her/my/our money to accentuate the variety that we have in expressing ourselves. My hair doesn't make me a proud black woman my heart, soul and heritage does. Their is a growing trend of "natural" haired trolls stinking up every conversation on black beauty because not everyone is feeling nappy hair. Get over it. This woman has a lot going for her below the hairline. Ugh!