Dear First Lady

I have been meaning to write to you for quite some time. I have a confession to make and it is something I haven’t talked about for fear of what others would think. When your husband was elected as President of the United States and your family moved into the White House, it was a monumental moment in black history and American history. It was a moment I should have celebrated with you and so many others, but did not. I live in a white evangelical world and for fear of what those around me would think, I kept my excitement hidden. I thought my biblical faithfulness would be brought into question if I showed any inkling of approval for your husband, and looking back I am ashamed for not standing on what I knew to be the right thing to do. For this, I am deeply remorseful and seek forgiveness.

Some might still challenge my excitement, and to them I would say that despite the issues your husband and I may disagree about, whether it be certain policies, social issues or other reforms, his presidency remains a prominent stride in history and deserves honor and recognition.

Watching your family from the outside, I feel confident saying that I have witnessed several life changing accomplishments produced through your family. I see you and your husband show true love for one another as you handle yourselves with class and dignity. President Obama is an example of a father who is present for his children, and this alone will change the trajectory for so many black families in a world where broken homes and fatherlessness are at record highs. You, First Lady, have become a beacon that our young woman can look to as a guide. You set an example that is a stark contrast to those who are looking for a role model in all the wrong places. Because of your family, our black youth can see a real life example of success that doesn’t succumb to the stereotypes we are usually relegated to in movies or on the radio. Beyond just the example of you two as individuals and your family, I especially want to highlight the “My Brother’s Keeper” initiative; thank you for this! Establishing mentors for the youth that expands their view beyond the barriers they experience was a move to change our country’s history. I know that the ripple effect will have an impact on so many of today and tomorrow’s minority youth.

Watching your family in office has been a beautiful thing. Perhaps it is mostly because you made the people who live in the most iconic house in our land relatable. You invited the American people into the presidency on a level we have never been privileged to experience before. From your husband appearing on Jimmy Fallon, the stories of your family singing the songs of Hamilton through your house, to you on Carpool Karaoke. I couldn’t believe it! I feel like you let me know you and your family, and I know that you did not have to.

It does not matter that we may never agree on same sex marriage or abortion, but I admire and respect so many attributes of you and your husband and there is no requirement for us to fundamentally agree for this to be possible. I can’t imagine what it is like to have the pressure your family has faced over these last 8 years, but I believe you did the best that you could. I thank you for your service and I wish I would have taken in the moment a little bit more. Hopefully we will not have to wait another 43 presidents to see a family like yours, one who Americans and especially young minorities can look up to and see such a great example on so many fronts.

– Adrian Crawford
Thankful Citizen