Sunday, February 7, 2010

If You Want a Michelle – Then Please Be a Barack…

If You Want a Michelle – Then Please Be a Barack…


By Denise Bolds, February 7, 2010

As the discussion of relationships between the black man and black woman continue, I hear black men lament: “I really want a Michelle Obama.” It is true; First Lady Michelle Obama is someone I greatly admire: a strong black woman who is educated, family focused and confident in her deep brown complexion. I find myself praying more for her and her daughters than I pray for her husband.

Michelle Obama is very comfortable in her blackness and she speaks very clearly on her values – she even wears her clothes more than once. I say in response to the black man who desires a Michelle in their lives… Please be a Barack: Step up to your Michelle with your education and earnings potential intact, with no baby mama drama, no incarcerations or drug use. Be ready to woo and court your Michelle and ask for her hand in marriage. Be ready to be a father who is present in the lives of your children, be able to contribute to your community, be humble, and be a good listener and not a lecturer but a speaker. Be ready to participate spiritually.

Black man who wants a Michelle – please be ready and able to tell the world that your Michelle is your best friend; how you would not have made it without her, let the world see your face light up as you look at her. Let the world see you step up, protect and provide for your Michelle. Black man, of you want a Michelle – please make damn sure YOU are a Barack Obama.

Black woman if you want a Barack Obama – you better be a Michelle: humble, educated, family orientated. Please be willing and able to believe and see your Barack’s dreams: work with him, be ready to sacrifice and put your own dreams on pause for a bit, be a present mother to your children and put away the tally sheet of ‘honey-you-must-do’s’. Black woman be ready to stand up for your Barack and work shoulder to shoulder. Black woman be ready to be your Barack’s extra eyes and ears, be ready to do your very best towards your Barack so that he is on point. Black Woman if you want a Barack, please leave sexuality in the bedroom and maintain intimacy and respect in the eyes of the world. Black Woman please be ready to be that rib of Adam - so that your Barack says: "Finally!"

                      To the black man and black woman – if you want success be ready to sacrifice.