Source: Essence.com

From Essence

Ever since we first laid eyes on the Obama family on the campaign trail back in 2008, they have provided us with countless aww-inspiring moments. As a couple, President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama are a united front, and their love for daughters Malia, 14, and Sasha, 11, is a continual reminder of just how beautiful Black love can be. Today, as we cast our ballots, we take a look at the First Family’s sweetest moments.

See the slideshow at Essence

In another installment of “Cute Kid Alert,” we’ve got all kinds of kiddies to show you, including Malia and Sasha Obama, Egypt Dean, and some of the first pictures of little Omere Harris, the son of “Love & Hip Hop” star, Yandy Smith. Let’s get to it!

Source: Black Celeb Kids

For Sunday services the other day, the First Family stepped out in their Sunday best. For Malia and Sasha Obama, that included some colorful dresses and flats. The two young ladies looked very fashionable and cute as they walked and talked with their uber-fabulous parents. Don’t you just love this family?

Source: Theybf

Who says a working mom can’t have it all? A judge for the Australian version of the “X Factor” (and possibly a judge for the UK version), big momma Mel B was seen heading out for business (and looking gorgeous while doing so) with her daughter Madison in her arms. Mommy and daughter were all smiles and stopped to chat with folks on the streets. Baby Madison reminds me of a doll with her cute self!

Source: Theybf

Source: Theybf

Wasn’t it just like yesterday that Aoki Lee Simmons was a little tot? Now the diva-in-training is 10! Her fabulous mother posted pics of her big girl and had this to say about Aoki finally reaching a whole 10 years on this planet: “Happy 10th Birthday to my Aoki Lee! Mama loves you and I’m so proud of you!”Just a few years until what I’m sure will be a MAD crazy super sweet 16!

Source: Black Celeb Kids

Source: Theybf

Remember last week when we showed you pics of Ne-Yo and his adorable daughter Madison? Well, now it’s time for mommy (Monyetta Shaw) to have some camera time with her little girl, as well as the couple’s son, Mason. These two tots are very photogenic and look just like their pops! Check the pics for proof…

Source: Theybf

Source: Theybf

Source: Theybf

And look who’s just running wild these days! Little Egypt Dean kicked it hard with older brother Kasseem in NYC as A.Keys and her brother, Cole, watched on. These guys are growing up so fast!

Source: Theybf

Source: Theybf

And last but not least, reality star and businesswoman Yandy Smith posted first photos of her new son, Omere Smith. She seemed to joke about the fact that Omere is more prone to sleep on her than he is with his dad, Mandeecees. Glad to see homegirl is very much digging motherhood!

Source: Theybf

Source: Theybf

More on Madame Noire!

• Bet You Didn’t Know: Secrets Behind The Making of “Diary of a Mad Black Woman”
• Really, Though? Who Died And Made You An Authority On What’s “Real”?
• Thank You Rihanna For Being Open About Chris Brown, Even If Some People Still Don’t Get It
• How I Lost A Friendship To Domestic Violence
• Degrees of Separation: Where To Draw The Line In Dating People Who Know Each Other?
• Girlfriend Guilt: When You’re The Only One Still On Track
• I’m Gonna Call It Like I See It: Celebs With No Filter

Photo courtesy of www.hollywoodreporter.com

Monday night at the USA basketball team’s exhibition game in Washington, D.C., President Obama and the first lady were caught on the customary game night “Kiss Cam” not once but twice. The first time with tons of cheering from fellow game-watchers, Mr. President, looking a wee bit embarrassed, simply embraced his wife.  This shifted the preceding cheers to a din of booing. Allegedly, they were unaware that they needed to kiss until their daughter inquired into why they had not done so. The second time, he planted a gentle and loving kiss on Michelle and applause erupted yet again. You can click here to see the kiss that started it all.

Of course it didn’t end there even though it should have. A stream of negative press followed claiming that the First Lady rejected The President’s initial smooch attempt. Reporters (can you even call them that at this point?) even bandied theories of who snubbed whom and dared to allude to marital disharmony! There were reports criticizing The Pres for even participating in the game time gimmick at all. And what further cracked me up is that this “debacle” even garnered a snarky, “PDA is not for everybody” remark from habitual line stepper over-er, Kobe Bryant, of all people. YOU… just have a seat, sir.

Really, folks? Barack and Michelle Obama couldn’t possibly have, oh I don’t know, a shy moment like the majority of human beings do when coerced into PDA? No, they’re marionettes whose strings are controlled by the applause and/or razz of the people. Give me a whole entire break, and please, give them one too.

I remember when people just COULD NOT believe that The Obamas were as in love as they exuded in every photograph, interview and press conference. There were a dizzying number of comments flung at them suggesting that they tone down their NORMAL, loving interactions with one another. But now, because of an embarrassing missed Kiss Cam opportunity that they made up for, she’s dissing him? There’s trouble in paradise? They’re putting on a facade? Geez, they are damned if they do and damned if they don’t. However, this isn’t a new realization.

I keep hearing people murmuring about Michelle Obama’s way of dress, President Obama’s impromptu renditions of his favorite songs and great comedic timing on late night talk shows, and the plethora of pictures of the first couple jumping rope, dancing, laughing and playing together. Is it wrong for the President and First Lady to be ordinary, humorous and likable people, or do they have to be and act like robots to appease people? Why do small moments have to be overly analyzed as people not taking their jobs seriously, being tasteless because they enjoy wearing shorts, or a reason to question their parenting skills? If they are in love and show it tastefully (or NOT if they don’t feel like it), is there buried someplace deep within the United States Constitution a law or amendment or tenant that expressly forbids The first family to be everyday people?

To me it’s part of their appeal to the rest of us everyday people who work, dance, laugh, play and sing. And no disrespect to former President and First Lady Bush (both sets), but I’d rather see my President make a tasteful move on his wife than to see an obviously cold marriage feign happiness for the sake of holding up a front for the American people. Let the Obamas be real. They do it the best because it’s who they are.

La Truly is a late-blooming Aries whose writing is powered by a lifetime of anecdotal proof that awkward can transform to awesome and fear can cast its crown before courage. Armed with the ability to purposefully poke fun at herself and a passion for young women’s empowerment, La seeks to encourage thought, discussion and change through her writing. Check out her thoughts/jokes/rants on Twitter: @AshleyLaTruly.  

More on Madame Noire!

• Did You Know They Dated? 10 Secret Lovers, Temporary Boos and Flings We Were Surprised By
• Let Me Get You Straight, Girl! Advice To The Real ‘Housewives’ Of Atlanta!
• When It Comes To Failed Marriages, Perhaps Expecting A Fairy Tale Is The Problem
• First Date, First Impression: Is It Really You?
• MN Exclusive: Jenifer Lewis On Her Favorite Role, Longevity & Playing The Momma
• Listen Up Fellas! 7 Signs SHE’s Just Not That Into You
• The Business Of Our Periods: Why Are Feminine Products So Darn Expensive?

Source: Zimbio

“They say girlfriend you know you work too hard”—that statement was true for Gladys Knight in the ’80s and it’s still true for the singer now. Not only has Ms. Gladys returned to the forefront of the entertainment scene as a contestant on “Dancing with the Stars,” she’s also gearing up to star in a new television project.

According to TMZ, she’s been cast in a new show called “The First Family,” which is about a fictional President of the United States who’s juggling work with his family life. No one’s said anything about the show being based on President Obama but it’s clear that’s where the inspiration came from. Gladys Knight is said to be playing the president’s mother.

A major network has reportedly already expressed interest in the sitcom and production is being rushed in order to capitalize on Gladys’ “Dancing” fame. Byron Allen, the Executive Producer of “First Family,” said this about her role:

“Gladys is truly an American treasure and we’re excited to work with her.”

Sounds like there might be a good black sitcom on the way, which is just what we need. What do you think?

Brande Victorian is a blogger and culture writer in New York City. Follower her on Twitter at @be_vic.

More on Madame Noire!

• Where Are They Now? The Cast of “Living Single”
• Ask A Very Smart Brotha Live: Herpes Bingo & False Hope
• I’m a BIG Kid Now: 8 Signs You’ve Finally Grown Up…
• The Black Snob Sounds Off: The 7 Kinds of Men Who Make Life Miserable For Everyone
• She’s a Bad Mama Jama: Our Celebrity Girl Crushes
• Skincare Q&A: Uneven Skin Tone, Shrinking Pores and Blackheads
• Stepmom or Stepmonster? Marrying a Man With Kids
• He Had That Masculine Thing DOWN: 8 Mannish R&B Singers