Michelle Obama Covers Essence October 2011 Issue

First Lady Michelle Obama shines on the cover of Essence Magazine’s upcoming October Issue celebrating the 28 Most Influential Black Women. In the revealing issue, Michelle recounts an emotional trip to Africa and shares her message of empowerment to young women.

“My story to young people around this country and around the world is, Don’t look at me as the First Lady first; look at me as Michelle Obama a girl who grew up on the South Side of Chicago. Because I was there, and this is attainable. There is no magic to this. It is hard work….”

The issue, available on newsstands September 12, also features other top-ranking African-American women such as Oprah Winfrey, Valerie Jarrett, Iyanla Vanzant, Jada Pinkett Smith, Shonda Rhimes and more.