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Michelle Obama Shares Throwback Photo of Her Grandparents LaVaughn and Fraser Robinson Jr

Tichafa Chidzonga
By Tichafa Chidzonga
Sep 10, 2019
06:00 A.M.

Michelle Obama celebrates Grandparents Day by sharing a little bit of her family history. In her message she encourages people to take the time you appreciate or remember their grandparents in any way possible.

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Born Michelle LaVaughn Robinson, the former First Lady, is better known as Michelle Obama. She is the daughter of Fraser Robinson and Marian Robinson. According to a White House Press release, Michelle was raised in the South Side of Chicago.

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Her father worked for the Chicago Water Department as a pump operator. Her mother stayed home helping to raise Michelle and her brother Craig. In a rare post on Instagram, Michelle opens up about her grandparents from her paternal side of the family.

Introducing her grandparents, LaVaughn Robinson and Fraser Robinson, Jr, she refers to them as "Grandma" and "Dandy." In tribute for Grandparents Day, Michelle shares how her grandparents have inspired her.

Sharing details about her grandmother, who was a devote Christian, she writes:

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"For years, Grandma managed a thriving Bible bookstore on the South Side of Chicago. She was perhaps my first example of a professional woman, showing me that being graceful and being in command weren't mutually exclusive."

It is reported that generations of the Robinsons had lived in Georgetown, South Carolina. Her grandfather made the move to Chicago, in search of better opportunities, she continues:

"Brilliant and a hard worker, his hopes were mostly dashed by the discrimination he faced as a black man. His skin color closed most doors to him—landing a good job or even joining a union."

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Eventually, Fraser found a job working at the postal service, where he ended up working for 30 years. Her grandparents raised five children, she shares a heartfelt message saying:

"Their stories are woven together with my own; their sacrifices and successes are braided into everything I've become. On #GrandparentsDay, I hope you'll all send a little love your grandparents' way. Give them a call if you can—or simply hold them in your heart, grateful for all that they've given you."

Over the years, Michelle has shared stories of her family life. Keeping family close, she famously moved her mother into the White House.

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Marian was always seen traveling with the Obama family, a decision Michelle says was for the benefit of her children's upbringing.

In her memoir, "Becoming," Michelle share's details about her family and journey to success. Her tribute to her grandparents is just another reminder of the memories that have not only kept her in touch with her humble beginnings, but it also reveals how her upbringing shaped her role as the Former First Lady of the United States.

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