Marian Robinson, Michelle Obama Essence Cover (PHOTOS)

The first granny, Marian Robinson, is on her first magazine cover this month alongside daughter Michelle Obama. Mrs. Robinson and Mrs. Obama sat for Essence magazine. The first lady wore a dress from Talbots. Below are some shots from the story and excerpts:
Excerpts from the Essence cover story.

FIRST LADY MICHELLE OBAMA ON...

* ADVANCING THE ROLE OF WOMEN WORLDWIDE: "We have to talk about flex hours and exercise and nutrition and health and what that means. And we have to talk about values, and about our relationships with men. All of those are part of the conversation that I think we need to have, not just in this country but around the world."

* combating stereotypical images of African-American women: "The women in videos and the stereotypes are just not the truth of who we are as a community. We already know that because we are living these lives every single day. It's nice to have this reminder in the White House, but I would say we don't need it...all you need to do is look around your own community and you will see this same family in churches and in schools."

MRS. MARIAN ROBINSON ON...
* advice on raising children: "The main thing that I think needs to be taught to children is the ability to think and make decisions. You don't have to have a lot of information, but you have to know how to get through the process. If you make mistakes you don't [just] decide I will never do that again."

* enjoying life in the White House: "...I really am. You want to know why? Because my children are good parents. It makes it very easy to be a grandmother when your children are good parents."

Compiled by Katharine Zaleski

Comments

[plaidsportcoat]

First Granny looks fantastic! Glowing and healthy.

[vernbvb]

Really sweet post and lovely pictures of our First Lady and our First Granny!

[tlgeiger62]

LOVELY photos. Many thanks for sharing them!

[IslandGyal]

I LOVE the images of their mother-daughter relationship. I am glad Mrs. Robinson raised Michelle to and Craig to become the good citizens they are.

[NevaforLeadership]

What lovely photos.

[RobertHenryEller]

Here's to you, Mrs. Robinson!

[S1m0n]

She's a sweetheart.

[AbbieHoffman2]

and so beautiful!

[alabaman]

I dig your moniker. I have a copy of Abbie's "Steal this Book," and have a close friend who was in jail with him in the 70s. Wish Abbie was with us today.

[moonchild71]

They look so cute together!

[lmvd3]

So rarely do you see Marian smile, but she has a dazzling smile. Saw an interview with her...what an amazing woman-- which explains her daughter.

[enh8g2]

I love the comments on this blog, I guess most people have never heard the saying "black don't crack"! The relationship between Mrs. Obama and her mother is beautiful. I think it is also good to see magazines like Essence and Ebony getting the opportunity to have the Obama's on their covers. It opens these magazine up to a different audience.

[MANK]

Reminds me of Babs(NOT!)

[janeypearl]

This beautiful relationship is a breath of fresh air. Thank God we have a loving, classy family like this to balance out the trash that dominates the news from the likes of Paris, Brittany, the Girls Next Door, Jessica, and the rest of those pop culture figures who don't have a clue what real love is. I am filled with joy whenever I see the Obama family and how they love and support each other. Mrs Robinson must be a wonderful person and parent to have raised someone like the First Lady. I truly have never felt such pride in the First Family. What superb role models these people are.

[ChrisClarity]

Nothing but class! Well done, Mrs. R. (and Mrs. O too).

[iswideopen]

Absolutely beautiful! What a blessing that Michelle still has her mom.

[loveobamas]

She's Beautiful just like her daughter,i think i got the right song moment.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2WzocbSd2w