The Obamas - An Appreciation
A tribute to the 21st century's ultimate power couple.
Watching former president Barack Obama and his wife, former First Lady Michelle Obama speak at the Democratic National Convention brings forth wistfulness and nostalgia, which is odd because they were in the White House not that long ago.
Mr. Obama was the young Black candidate being nominated.
He was the one carrying the weight of expectations.
The one carrying an unimaginable weight that few could understand.
Then again, he was carrying the weight that all People of Color understand.
The weight of having to be better than those with paler skin.
Else you are found wanting, giving voice to those waiting to say, “I told you so.”
It’s a weight that all People of Color carry, but one we must daily put out of our minds, or else be consumed by the burden.
The burden of being judged unfairly.
The burden of knowing your words and actions receive additional scrutiny.
The Obamas made history, created opportunity, and left a legacy.
They showed America a different kind of presidential grace under pressure.
All presidents are reviled.
But being reviled for your policies is one matter.
Being reviled because of your skin color is another matter altogether.
Having to endure monkey comparisons, having your wife’s being disparaged because of her race, and your kids’ every move being scrutinized differently than other presidents’ kids must take a special kind of fortitude, a unique kind of courage.
But President and Ms. Obama endured all with charm, grace, and wit, even when he was belittled for wearing a tan suit.
There was no personal scandal to sully their name.
He didn’t have affairs before, during, or after the White House.
She didn’t suffer major faux pas or create policy conundrums.
They traveled an unimaginably hard and difficult road and did so as equals.
They have already traveled the road that Kamala and Doug are treading down, and they crossed over to the easier side of the street.
They are elder statespersons who can give campaign speeches with skillful rhetoric, masterful bon mots, and hilarious ripostes, which is refreshingly different from the former president’s sub-neanderthal musings.
They are passionately in love with each other, having been through much and by God’s grace, survived it all.
They are a perfect match for each other and for those who can appreciate them.
Today, we enjoy a lighter, freer version of the Obamas with burdens lifted and expectations already met.
We can appreciate them for who they were, who they are, and who they are yet to become.