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Pres. Barack and First Lady Michelle Obama react to the unveiling of their official White House portraits

OFFICIAL WHITE HOUSE PORTRAIT OF THE 44TH PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES BARACK OBAMA AND FIRST LADY MICHELE OBAMA

By Mona Austin

There have been many artistic depictions of the Obamas, the first African Americans to serve in the White House, but none as significant as the portraits that  permanently reside there.       On September 7, 2022  the couple returned to the White House  to unveil their official  portraits, a tradition that was established by First Lady Jackie Kennedy, but an honor that goes back to George Washington. “Welcome home,' said Pres. Joe Biden who served as the vice president during the Obama administration.

Current and former staffers attended the affair which served as a pat on the back for the collective impact of their service.

Mr. Obama fused humor into his remarks, while Mrs. Obama spoke of the magnitude of being the first Black FLOTUS.

The couple reminisced about their time White House and some of the important work that was done such as the Affordable Car Act. With respect to honoring the office itself, Mr. Obama noted that when their two terms were over, they left, subtly addressing the lack of cooperation from the Trump Administration.

Attendees could not take their eyes off of First Lady Obama's braided hair. She wore it in individual braids that were styled into a bun. The hairstyle was rejected in some workplaces as unprogessional and is one of many natural" hairdos that Black women fought to have a right to wear under the Crown Act.

The Slice News captured the most memorable words and reactions, shared here. . .

FIRST LADY MICHELLE OBAMA REACTS TO HER PORTRAIT UNVEILING

“For me, this day is not just about what has happened,” she said. “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 was never supposed to live in this house. And she definitely wasn’t supposed to serve as the first lady.”

“But what we’re looking at today—a portrait of a biracial kid with an unusual name and the daughter of a water pump operator and a stay-at-home mom—what we are seeing is a reminder that there’s a place for everyone in this country,” she continued. “Because as Barack said, if the two of us can end up on the walls of the most famous address in the world, then again, it is so important for every young kid who is doubting themselves to believe that they can, too.”
Michelle Obama's stunning portrait was done by . Mrs. Obama's wishes for a modern portrait were perfectly captured by Sprung, and it will now be visible in the White House alongsideorgwe First Lady portraits.








All photos by Mona Austin/The Slice News
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