Michelle LaVaughn Robinson Obama, 2018

Michelle Obama: Hi, there. It’s Michelle Obama. 

The first time I saw Amy Sherald’s beautiful portrait of me, I have to admit, it felt surreal.

It’s me through Amy’s eyes… but somehow, it’s me through my eyes, too. 

I’m in this big beautiful gown. My hand is resting on my chin. And I look so thoughtful and comfortable in my skin. 

The moment I saw it, I couldn’t help but think of my parents, my grandparents, and all the generations that came before me. 

I thought about how hard they worked… how talented and capable they were… and how extraordinary the journey was that led our family to the White House. 

It was overwhelming in the best possible way. 

Because it reminded me that if Barack and I could end up as President and First Lady, that means that any kid, anywhere, could go on this journey, too. 

My hope is that when people look at this painting, they see that sense of possibility staring back at them. 

I hope they feel braver, stronger, and stand just a little taller. 

And I hope they realize they can grow up to be anything or anyone they want to be. 

That’s why I’m so grateful to Amy for the gift of this portrait, and I hope you love it just as much as I do.