First Lady of the United States Michelle Obama elegantly graces the cover of October’s Essence Magazine. The focus will be on her commitment to women and girls around the world.

“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”....”

From Essence:

In the article, “The Leading Lady,” she reflects on what she calls the “big, bright light” of her power as First Lady — and she shares her mission to impart a critical message to young women: that where she is now is attainable with hard work. She recounts her emotional trip to Africa, providing exclusive images for ESSENCE readers which document her various stops and what they meant to her personally.