When I was a young girl, I used to admire Michelle Obama from afar.
I watched her on TV, read her books, and followed her on social media.
And I was inspired by her intelligence, grace, and charisma.
I wanted to be like her, but I also wondered:
Who were the people who shaped her into the woman she is today?
Who were her parents, and what kind of life did they have?
In this article, I will explore the story of Michelle Obama’s parents, Fraser and Marian Robinson, and how they influenced her journey to success and happiness.
Does Michelle Obama have parents?
Michelle Obama is the daughter of Fraser and Marian Robinson, who were both born and raised in Chicago, Illinois.
They married in 1960 and had two children:
Craig, born in 1962, and Michelle, born in 1964.
They were a loving and supportive family, who lived in a modest apartment on the South Side of Chicago.
Fraser Robinson was a city water plant employee and a Democratic precinct captain.
He was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at a young age, but he never let his condition stop him from working hard and providing for his family.
Fraser taught his children the value of hard work, honesty, and integrity.
He also instilled in them a pride in their African American and Gullah heritage. He died in 1991, at the age of 55.
Marian Robinson was a secretary at Spiegel’s catalog store and later a full-time homemaker.
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Marian was a nurturing and encouraging mother.
She gave her children the freedom and confidence to pursue their dreams.
She also taught them how to think for themselves and use their voice.
Marian was always there for them, through their joys and challenges.
She moved to the White House with her daughter’s family in 2009 and became a beloved grandmother to Malia and Sasha.
She is still alive and well, at the age of 84.
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The Impact of Michelle Obama’s Parents on Her Success
Michelle Obama’s success as a lawyer, First Lady, and influential role model can’t be fully understood without recognizing the profound impact of her parents, Marian and Fraser Robinson III.
Their love, guidance, and unwavering support laid the foundation for her achievements and instilled in her the values that have shaped her life.
1. Building a Bedrock of Confidence
- Marian Robinson: A stay-at-home mom, Marian instilled in Michelle an unwavering belief in herself and her potential. She treated her children as equals, fostering intellectual curiosity and critical thinking.
- Fraser Robinson III: A city pump operator, Fraser provided a strong work ethic and a sense of responsibility. He taught Michelle the importance of perseverance and standing up for what she believes in.
2. Nurturing a Passion for Learning
- Both Marian and Fraser encouraged Michelle’s love for reading and education. They created a home filled with books and regularly took their children to libraries and museums.
- Marian, a skilled accountant herself, instilled in Michelle an appreciation for math and logic, crucial skills for her future in law.
3. Championing Service and Community
- Marian’s strong commitment to community service deeply influenced Michelle. She volunteered at local organizations and instilled in her a sense of social responsibility.
- Fraser’s dedication to his job and his union activism taught Michelle the importance of fighting for what is right and advocating for those in need.
4. Leading by Example
- Both parents lived lives exemplifying integrity, honesty, and kindness. They instilled in Michelle the importance of these values and the need to lead by example.
- Their unwavering support provided her with the emotional security and confidence to take on new challenges and navigate difficult situations.
What kind of childhood did Michelle Obama have?
Michelle Obama had a happy and stable childhood, surrounded by her parents, brother, and extended family.
She attended public schools in Chicago, where she excelled academically and socially.
Michelle skipped the second grade and was chosen for a gifted student program that allowed her to take advanced courses.
She graduated as the class salutatorian from Whitney M. Young Magnet High School in 1981.
Michelle was also involved in various extracurricular activities, such as piano lessons, ballet classes, and student council.
She enjoyed reading, writing, and playing with her friends and cousins.
Michelle was curious and adventurous, always asking questions and exploring new things.
She was also aware of the racial and social issues that affected her community.
Michelle developed a sense of responsibility and activism.
Michelle’s parents encouraged her to pursue higher education and supported her choice to attend Princeton University.
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This is where she majored in sociology and minored in African American studies.
She graduated cum laude in 1985 and then went on to Harvard Law School, where she earned her J.D. in 1988.
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How Michelle Obama’s parents influenced her languages?
Michelle Obama speaks three languages: English, Spanish, and French.
She learned English as her native language.
Michelle grew up in a bilingual household, as her mother spoke some Spanish.
Michelle also studied Spanish in school and became fluent in the language.
She used her Spanish skills to communicate with the Latino community in Chicago and to promote her cause as the First Lady.
Michelle also learned some French in school and improved her proficiency in the language during her travels to France and other Francophone countries.
She delivered speeches and greetings in French and impressed the French media and public with her elegance and charm.
Michelle Obama is not only a multilingual speaker but also a multicultural leader.
She has shown respect and appreciation for the diversity and richness of different languages and cultures and has inspired many people around the world with her words and actions.
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Conclusion
Michelle Obama is one of the most influential and admired women in the world, but she is also a product of her parents’ love and guidance.
Her parents, Fraser and Marian Robinson were two remarkable people who raised a future first lady.
They gave her the foundation and inspiration to become who she is today: a lawyer, a writer, a mother, a wife, and a role model.
They are the unsung heroes of Michelle Obama’s story, and they deserve our recognition and gratitude.
