Michelle Obama Addresses Racist Attacks She Bravely Faced As First Lady

While speaking to a crowd of women at the Women’s Foundation for Colorado’s 30th anniversary event in Denver, Former First Lady Michelle Obama opened up about the racism she faced during her time in the White House when her husband, Former President Barack Obama, served as commander-in-chief of the country from 2008 - 2016. 

During Michelle's time as the first lady, some people went after the beauty by calling her nasty names and making ignorant remarks about her body. Even after she left the office in 2016, two Virginia officials lost their jobs because they referred to Michelle as an “ape in heels.” 

According to The Denver Post, Michelle said about these moments: “The shards that cut me the deepest were the ones that intended to cut. Knowing that after eight years of working really hard for this country, there are still people who won’t see me for what I am because of my skin color.”

The former first lady added that by pretending to not be hurt by these verbal attacks would only allow the people saying them to continue to not be confronted for their actions, which would give them permission to keep at them without having to face any consequences. 

“Women, we endure those cuts in so many ways that we don’t even notice we’re cut,” she said. “We are living with small tiny cuts, and we are bleeding every single day. And we’re still getting up.”

While speaking about these "scars" that she's received from the hate, Michelle encouraged the other women in the audience to own their scars, too. The former first lady said these bruises all heal in time and when women overcome them, younger girls looking up to their older female role models will be encouraged to face their own scars with bravery, as well. 

Photo: Getty Images


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