African-American Power Couples

A few months back I posted a question to my FACEBOOK page asking my friends to look at various "Celebrity Couples" and give me their opinion about what they believe to be the key ingredients to cultivating a successful union. As an example, I listed couples like President Barack & Michelle Obama, Sarah & Todd Palin, Bill & Hillary Clinton, George & Laura Bush and Jay-Z Carter & Beyonce Knowles.

Although we understand that there is no perfect relationship, there is this understanding that in order for partnership to truly be successful, there are certain things that must be part of the individual, which ultimately transcends into couple-hood. In other words 'individually, certain people command their own power, fame, money and let's say "star power" however together and as a team - they become a force to be reckoned with.

So, after much debate between my friends and I, we were able to come up with a pretty concise list of items that I will share at the end of this post. Before we go on to that Top 10 list, I thought I'd showcase some of our favorite African-American Power Couples.

President Barack & Michelle Obama
America's first African-American President & Wife are taking the world by storm '" with their charm, Ivy-league education, professional demeanor, giving spirit and family values based living. This is we agree is definitely something we can all vote on, and "change we can believe in." Together, the Obama's worked the campaign trail to make history together '" and (Yes They Did!) earn the seats to the world's most powerful positions as POTUS (President of the United States) & FLOTUS (First Lady of the United States).

Will Smith & Jada Pinkett Smith
These two have developed what they consistently refer to as their family "business plan." Both Actors, entertainers, parents and business owners, Will & Jada have created a formula in Hollywood and in the business world that has propelled them to the top of everyone's charts.

Jay-Z Carter & Beyonce Knowles
The "unthinkable" match is what many might have referred to these two as. He hails from Marcy Projects in Brooklyn, while she grew up in an upper middle class home in Texas. As the rumors began to surface about their relationship, many chose to bet against this implausible union. But together they have proven that it sure ain't where you're from but where you're at. The one thing we can say for sure about these two is that they are on "hustle-mode" 24/7/365. And did I mention that they live on the Forbes List of World's Richest?!?

Colin & Alma Powell
The former US Secretary of State and his bride of 45 years have been leading the charge for decades as parents and partners. Under their leadership as Founding Chairman and current Chair, Colin & Alma Powell, have taken their American dreams from Jamaica and built America's Promise Alliance which has become the nation's largest partnership providing support to young people.

So, as most people struggle to make marriage and relationships work, we often ponder about what it takes to insure partnership success.

In our minds here are some partnership success "buzz" words:

Shared vision
Mutual Respect
Chemistry/Timing
Communication (verbal and non-verbal)
Self Confidence/Individual Security
Personal Freedom
Valued Friendship
Desire to work for relationship success
Humility/Patience
Spirituality or Religious Grounding

As we move into a new year, and individuals as well as couples begin to evaluate their relationship statuses, the question becomes, do you have what it takes to be a power couple?