Former President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama visited the White House for the unveiling of their official White House portraits Wednesday, but what got social media talking was Michelle Obama’s hairstyle choice.
The former First Lady graced box braids parted to the side and swept up in a low bun and paired it with elegant metallic drop earrings and a fuschia jewel-toned Jason Wu dress.
“Folks will see many things in this picture. I do too, but I lift a beautiful @MichelleObama in braids, which means a lot to Black girls & women—including ME as the one who conceptualized and leads the CROWN Act movement. We’re not JUST changing laws. We’re also shifting culture!” wrote Adjoa B. Asamoah, political and social impact strategist.
I am out here living for @MichelleObama’s braids. Also the lashes! Ok now on to more important things. The portraits!!” tweeted MSNBC journalist, Joy Reid.
Something that will mean ALOT to Black people across the country: Former First Lady Michelle Obama wearing braids at the unveiling of her official White House portrait,” tweeted POLITICO White House Correspondent Eugene Daniels.
In 2019, Congress passed The CROWN (Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair) Act, prohibiting employers from race-based discrimination against Black people with natural hair textures and hairstyles.
At the ceremony, the 58-year-old American icon said: “For me, this day is not just about what has happened. It’s also about what could happen, because a girl like me…she was never supposed to be up there next to Jacqueline Kennedy and Dolley Madison. She wasn’t supposed to live in this house, and she wasn’t supposed to serve as the first lady.”
“Too often in this country, people feel like they have to look a certain way or act a certain way to fit in,” she continued. “[This is a] reminder that there’s a place for everyone in this country.”
