Overtures to the Obamas

First Couple Is in Demand in D.C. -- in Church, On the Golf Course, Even Under the Hair Dryer

Shirley Gordon of Strands Hair Studio in Silver Spring is lobbying to do Michelle Obama's hair. Members of the Nineteenth Street Baptist Church are praying that President Obama will make his spiritual home with them. D.C. Council member Harry Thomas Jr. has invited the president to play in an upcoming tournament at a historically black golf course in his district.

In a town where networking has been developed to a fine art, black Washington is clamoring for the Obamas. The election of the first black president is seen by many African Americans as their chance to finally sit at the table. And they want the seat right next to the Obamas.

Their invitations have been as straightforward as letters to the White House, as indirect as a carefully placed hint through a friend with connections to the first couple.

"I have several clients who know her from Chicago or just from being in political circles," Gordon, who has been doing hair for 27 years, said of the first lady. "I've reached out mostly through word of mouth through my high-end clients."

Thomas (D-Ward 5) said he sent a letter to Obama on Friday asking him to play in a golf tournament June 5 to 9 at Langston Legacy Golf Course, which was chartered by Congress 70 years ago to provide blacks a place to play.

"We want to highlight the historic nature of what that golf course means, and we would love to have the president with us," Thomas said. He also hopes to draw Obama's interest for an initiative to improve the area around Langston, which includes the Carver Terrace public housing complex next door.

Thomas said he has never sought out a president before but has felt a kinship with Obama since they met at the Democratic National Convention in Denver.

"He's one of the first big-city presidents, so he understands the urban environment, which I represent," he said. "The connection between him and communities like mine is great. . . . He's one of us."

Anthony Hawkins, administrator of Metropolitan A.M.E. Church in Northwest Washington, said many churches in the District are offering a spiritual home for the Obamas because of the prestige it would bring.

"Since they are African American and Washington, D.C., is a predominantly black city, there are a host of black churches," he said. "It would be a feather in one's cap to have them worshiping with you."

White House staffers confirmed that residents and officials have reached out to the Obamas. "There is an outpouring of support and notes of thanks for being here," said Jackie Norris, Michelle Obama's chief of staff. "We have had numerous invitations."

Letitia Baldrige, who served as Jackie Kennedy's chief of staff and social secretary, said the Obamas are "the biggest celebrities in the nation, so [local residents and officials] want to have some of that gold dust brush off on them. It's a tremendous social coup for them to be able to have one of the Obamas present at one of their functions."