Obama family values on full display in 'Of Thee I Sing'
OPINION - The Obamas represent a tangible and real change for the better in our public dialogue and perception of black families...
I loves the Obamas. I know as a journalist that I should not say this out loud or write it for all to see, but what I love about them has nothing at all to do with politics. What I unashamedly love about this man and this woman is the hope they give to this present generation of Americans and to millions of young black boys and girls who see them daily functioning in a healthy, loving, safe, committed marital relationship raising their two children with the help of their mother.
Many Americans reading this article will shrug and say, “So what? Many couples in America are in healthy, loving, committed relationships so what’s your point?”
My point is this: We as a nation still do not see very many positive and healthy images of black love, of black families being intact, and of black parenting at its best. And the facts do not lie with over 70 percent of black babies born out of wedlock and with a majority of black households being lead by black women (on their own), the Obamas represent a tangible and real change for the better in our public dialogue and perception of black families.
Click here to view a slideshow of the Obamas on vacation together
I think the most enduring legacy of the Obama presidency will not be health care reform, tax cuts, the stimulus plan, or ending the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The most enduring legacy of the “age of Obama” will be the incredible impact the first couple had on the consciousness of a nation. But in no place will their impact be felt more than in the black community. Which brings me to the president’s new book Of Thee I Sing which hits bookstores today.
We all know that before he became president, Barack Obama was (and is) a gifted writer and best-selling author of several books. But what is amazing is that the then senator, who was running for president back in 2008 found time to pen a book to his two daughters Malia and Sasha which is a tribute to 13 Americans, including artist Georgia O’Keeffe, baseball legend Jackie Robinson, and George Washington.
Obama’s daughters, Malia and Sasha, are represented on the cover in an impressionistic image by children’s illustrator Loren Long, who produced the portraits in the 40-page book. The small volume is intended to appeal to kids age 3 and up and will sell for $17.99. It’s certainly expected by the publishing house to be a bestseller, with an initial printing of 500,000 copies.
So why does this matter to the black community and America at large? First, as a daughter myself who had a very difficult relationship growing up with an alcoholic father, I know all too well the importance of a father’s love and care in the lives of his children. When you get that love, you are blessed beyond measure. Particularly as a black woman in America because so many of us grew up without fathers, or with fathers in our lives who did not nurture and nourish us with love.
The fact that President Obama in the midst of all he has on his plate has taken the time to nurture, speak life and inspiration into his daughter’s lives through this book just moves me on a very deep level. It speaks volumes from a man who never really knew his absent father, yet has found within himself the courage to be a good father.
Second, it helps us to heal as a nation and as an ethnic minority group to see positive images and positive realities lived out by people (by that I mean black people) who are so bombarded with negative images and stereotypes on a daily basis whether they be in videos, music lyrics, the 11 o’clock news, or in cinema.
I look forward to reading this book as I know many Americans will. I think there is a profound message for all of us who have children in our lives and who love them dearly. But what I look forward to most of all I think is getting a closer look at the heart of a “dad” who loves his two girls; love and honors their mother; and who also adores their grandmother. On behalf of sisters everywhere I say good for you Mr. President and thank you for your great example.
Sophia A. Nelson is a JET Magazine Political Columnist, a grio.com contributor and is author of the forthcoming book “Black Woman Redefined: Dispelling Myths and Discovering Fulfillment in the Age of Michele Obama.” (Benbella, May 2011).
