As we prepare for the historical inauguration of our first African-American president, two women offer words of wisdom from women all over the country. Education specialists Barbara Seals Nevergold and Peggy Brooks-Bertram first got the idea for their book, Go, Tell Michelle, after seeing the cover of the July issue of The New Yorkersatirically depicting Barack and Michelle Obama as gun-toting terrorists.
Seals Nevergold told The Buffalo News how the magazine cover made her feel, “Every Negative stereotype of a black woman you can imagine was embodied in that.” Instead of getting angry Nevergold and Brooks-Bertram decided to turn the negative press into something positive. After the election, the two women went online to invite other women from around the world to send in letters of support to Michelle Obama that would later be compiled and published as a book. After many poems and words of wisdom from around the globe piled into their inbox, Nevergold and Brooks-Bertram chose 100 for their book.
The two women recently discussed with National Public Radio’s "All Things Considered” some themes that emerged from the letters they received. Brooks-Betram said, “One of those themes has to do with the issue of the interracial color line ? and women who very clearly point out that it was very important for them that Michelle Obama was a recognizably black woman for example. That she wasn’t light-skinned with blue eyes and still classified as black, but rather she was a black woman and that it gave them a whole new feeling about their own lives. I really thought that it was powerful, because that tends to be a subject that we don’t go towards so readily because it has such deep pain associated with it.”
Both women have been in contact with Obama’s transition team in order to get Michelle Obama a copy of their book, Go, Tell Michelle, by Inauguration Day. Nevergold told NPR that she thinks Michelle Obama will “need that when she gets to the White House.”
What do you think of these two women publishing a book of letters highlighting the importance of our first African-American First Lady?
Do you think you will pick up a copy of Go, Tell Michelle?
NO...I am really scared of the plans that the Obama family have in store for us. I also don't think that race should be an issue!
lynnkendo::
on Jan 19, 2009
NO!!!!!
jenndta::
on Jan 22, 2009
Yes I will, and there is nothing to be scared of. You mean to tell me these past eight years you were not scared!? Get real!!!
anu_p_pai::
on Jan 23, 2009
YEs I will too, Shes such a strong person ,we shld be inspired .....both Obama & michelle will bring a change to our society thats for sure!!!
bongsrey::
on Jan 23, 2009
I think that it's great..like a don't sweat the small stuff for the white house.
Do you think you will pick up a copy of Go, Tell Michelle? sure!!
Here's my whine for the "scared people"
I think that the Obamas are an inspiration to minorities everywhere. Not only African Americans but for all minorities including women!! After 8 years of the Devil (Bush) and his side kick the troll (Cheaney) ..Anything is better. People ..you should be terrified of what the nation has become under the Terrorist KGB type rule that Bush/Cheaney put us under than what Obama has to offer. As the republicans whined about us becoming socialists under the Obama Administration..sorry but the day that we bailed out Wallstreet is the day we as a nation became SOCIALISTS.
If I could say something to the Obama's it would be to keep your private life private, your cigars out of reach, don't walk and eat pretzels and IGNORE WHAT FOX THE FAKE NEWS SAYS!!.
jenndta::
on Jan 26, 2009
I could not have said it better ! I am sick and tired of the "crazy right" getting in the way of progress. Someone should tell those people that "We are all created equal", and we are able to think for ourselves unlike the FOX people.
nanette1123::
on Jan 30, 2009
I am neither Dem or Rep., but both sides are not much to get excited about. Because they are all interested in the all might dollar and what is best for themselves not who they represent. I am really sick of hearing both sides bash each other and not trying to come together to help the American people. Quit blaming and deal with!!!! It really boils down to it that they are ALL to blame..democrats and repulbicians. They are as bad a kids when someone has taken their toys...........
chicagogirl26::
on Jan 31, 2009
I think the idea of this book is fantastic. There are too many people worried about what the Obamas are going to do for our country. I love the Obama family and am excited to see what he has in store for our country. I would love to read the book. I think it's great to have Michelle in the White House, she is a strong, intelligent woman.
erica_cal::
on Feb 04, 2009
I think we need to be political atheists and stop worshipping political parties. We also, apparently, need to learn to spell...
mousie::
on Feb 15, 2009
We need to take care of our own nation and our own people and the companies that leave America should be limited on they can import!!!!!! These are companies that the American people helped create!!!!! These corporations that leave America are betraying us!!!!! I feel the polictians better wake up and remember that they are working for the American citizens not illegial immigrants and other nations. Lets take care of our nation and our people for the sake of our children and grandchildren!!!! Our fathers helped create America so lets take care of our nation....then maybe we can do things for the world...if we can afford it.
