Michelle Obama’s Journey as First Lady from 2009 to 2017
Michelle Obama, a prominent figure and role model, spent eight years living in the White House as First Lady. During this time, she dutifully fulfilled the many expectations and responsibilities that came with this esteemed position.
Only recently has Michelle, who is also a best-selling author, opened up about the challenging aspects of being in such a prominent political role. Notably, she has spoken about how it affected her personal choices, including how she chose to style her hair.
Michelle served as First Lady from 2009 to 2017, following her husband, Democrat leader Barack Obama’s election to the presidency for two terms. She became the first African-American woman to serve in this role, marking a significant moment in history.
Throughout her tenure, Michelle Obama made substantial contributions, particularly in areas of health and nutrition. She launched the ‘Let’s Move’ initiative, focusing on reducing childhood obesity, and championed the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act for better nutrition in schools.
Aside from her focus on health, she actively promoted women’s rights and diversity. Her initiatives like ‘Reach Higher’ and ‘Let Girls Learn’ encouraged young people, especially girls, to pursue higher education and reach for their aspirations.
Despite these remarkable achievements, Michelle recently shared that she felt compelled to follow certain unwritten rules during her time in the White House. One of these was her decision not to wear braids—a hairstyle that she felt was perhaps not yet fully accepted at that time.
In a conversation with PEOPLE Magazine, Michelle explained that now, post-White House, she feels liberated to express her personal style freely, happily wearing her hair in braids during public events.
“This is the first time where I get to make choices purely for myself,” she remarked, recalling how she felt a need to suppress her now iconic hairstyle during her role as First Lady.
“Back then, I wasn’t certain if the country was open to it,” she admitted. “The Crown Act, which offers protection against race-based hair discrimination, was not in place then, and I was wary of my hair becoming a topic of unnecessary attention.”
Michelle’s braided look went viral in 2022, five years after her departure from Washington D.C., when she unveiled the official White House portraits alongside Barack Obama.
“Wearing braids at our portrait unveiling held great significance for me,” she reflected. “I wanted to contribute to the narrative about Black women in power and show that this hairstyle is both beautiful and appropriate.”
She elaborated further, “Braids give me a sense of freedom. I can have them styled and then go about my activities without worrying about my hair.”
“When I’m away from public duties, I enjoy swimming and playing tennis, and braids represent freedom in those moments for me,” she concluded with a smile.
