Marian 'First Granny' Robinson: I Have Always Looked Up To Michelle

WASHINGTON — First lady Michelle Obama is a role model for many people, including her mother.

"Michelle has always been Michelle. And she has always accomplished whatever it was she set out to accomplish," Marian Robinson told Essence magazine during a rare interview with her daughter. "I have always looked up to Michelle because she has been able to do things that I couldn't do emotionally, psychologically or physically. I think she is amazing."

Her late husband, Fraser, would be thrilled by his daughter's success.

"You would not be able to shut him up! He would not be able to stand this," Robinson, 71, told the magazine for its May issue, which is appearing on newsstands this week. "He would be beaming until you would just want him to stop talking."

She said her husband bragged about Michelle and her brother, Craig, the basketball coach at Oregon State University.

"He always encouraged them, and when he talked about Craig and Michelle, you could just see a smile on his face whether it was there or not," Robinson said. "He just enjoyed these two people."

Mrs. Obama said she always felt that her parents were "unconditionally rooting for me. And kids need that." She said their support helped build confidence in her and her brother early on, and gave them a sense of security.

Asked for advice for black families raising children, Robinson said treat them as "little people," not as babies. She said most people don't realize how much kids can absorb because they are listening, they love conversation and soak up information.

"The main thing that I think needs to be taught to children is the ability to think and make decisions," Robinson said.

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On the Net:

Essence: http://www.essence.com

Comments

[understandtheissues]

What an example to every American family. A grandmother in the White House to take care of her grandchildren and give support to her daughter and son-in-law. The love and respect that is shown by everyone in the Obama-Robinson family is so inspiring. This is what family is about and this is what America is about. We are back Baby, on top of the world!

[NevaforLeadership]

Fraser had something to bragg about.

The very best to the Obama and Robinson families.

[mmj200]

She's 71? Wow...black don't crack...

[RobertHenryEller]

Can Huffington Post create a new category to put articles like this one about Mrs. Robinson?

I don't think of the topic as "Style."

I think it's more appropriate to refer to this as "Substance."

[Strywever]

;-)

[gulfcoast50]

Love it. Love them. They will win the hearts and minds of many down-and-out Americans with their solid family values and positive energy. Thanking the universe right now.

[LovesMusicLikesToSing]

Mrs. Robinson and First Lady Obama, you are truly wonderful inspirations and role models for so many people who take notice of the way you carry yourselves, the strength you project, and the respect you command. While we, as Black women, feel a bond and connection with you because of our cultural identity, I dare say that women of ALL CULTURES, ALL ETHNICITIES, AND ALL RACES look up to you and hold you in high esteem.

Thank you for showing not only Americans, but citizens of THE WORLD, the true, realistic, genuine attributes of African-American women. So often, we are stereotyped, disrespected, and depicted in the most vile and demeaning forms possible. But we are so much more and so much better -- unfortunately, too many young sistahs have yet to realize that. The very essence of Black women embodies intelligence, nurturing, honesty, and integrity.

Thank you for showing the world how EXTRAORDINARY BLACK WOMEN TRULY ARE!!

[MsIrisMG]

First Mamaw rules!

[De Jenkins]

Here's to you Mrs. Robinson (Madea or My Dear) we love you for being he anchor and the backbone for the first family.

[Broughton]

Thank You for the advise Mrs.Robinson....I truly will follow it.

[RoadCrossingChicken]

WOO HOO... Nanas Rule!

[CinciKid]

we are fortunate to have such a great famiy in the white house.

[LaurieAnn]

We do have a fantastic First Family don't we. I love them. Strong, beautiful, intelligent, down-to-earth, classy; we are a lucky country to have at this time such a solid presence in our White House.

[joycehelene]

Wonderful Mother and Daughter team taking care of their two lovely little ones!!!

[tlgeiger62]

God bless you and your husband, Mrs. Robinson, for raising such a fine woman as Michelle. You are an inspiration to many and your daughter is a treasure to us all.

[wordz]

My sentiment as well.

[PoliticalAmazon]

I adore the fact that the Obama's brought MO's mother to the WH to keep an eye out for the best interests of the girls.

I think it empowered grannies everywhere. They do play a vital role in our families and while it may not always take a village to raise a child, it sure helps if granny is available to keep things real.

[PippiLongstocking]

So wonderful... *cries*