Michelle Obama Graces Cover of ‘Essence’ October Issue

We love our first lady, Michelle Obama. She looks beautiful on October’s “Power Issue” of Essence magazine, celebrating the 28 Most Influential Black Women. In the interview titled “The Leading Lady,” Mrs. Obama reflects on what she calls the “big, bright light” of her power as first lady and her mission to impart her critical message to young women: that where she is now is attainable with hard work.

“My story to young people around this country and around the world is, Don’t look at me as the First Lady first; look at me as Michelle Obama, a girl who grew up on the South Side of Chicago. Because I was there, and this is attainable. There is no magic to this. It is hard work …” says the first lady.

She also talks about her emotional trip to Africa and provides exclusive photos to readers documenting her various stops and what they meant to her personally. Mrs. Obama expressed, “One of the most beautiful aspects of my trip to Africa was the fact that there were three generations of us there. It was me, my two little girls and mom …”

Essence editor-in-chief, Constance C.R. White, commented on the decision to have the first lady grace the “Power Issue” cover.

“Michelle Obama is the quintessential ESSENCE woman; impressively defining herself on her own terms” said White. “Opening up to ESSENCE about living her most authentic life — by following her passions and unapologetically investing in herself and her family — Michelle Obama is embracing her purpose and channeling her power. She is undoubtedly poised to become one of the country’s most popular and productive First Ladies.”

The issue, which hits newsstands Sept. 12, also features Oprah Winfrey, Valerie Jarrett, Iyanla Vanzant, Jada Pinkett Smith, Shonda Rhimes and more. –mckenzie harris