Barack Obama. Overview and main events
Overview and main events
Barack Hussein Obama II, born on August 4, 1961, in Honolulu, Hawaii, is a pivotal figure in American history. He served as the 44th President of the United States from 2009 to 2017 and was the first African American to hold the office. Obama's life is marked by significant personal, educational, and political milestones that have shaped his journey and impact on the nation.
August 4, 1961
Birth
Barack Obama was born at Kapiolani Medical Center for Women and Children in Honolulu, Hawaii, to Ann Dunham, an American from Kansas, and Barack Obama Sr., a Kenyan student. He is the only U.S. president born outside the contiguous 48 states.
1964
Parents' Divorce and Father's Departure
When Obama was two years old, his parents divorced, and his father, Barack Obama Sr., left to study at Harvard University and later returned to Kenya. Obama's mother, Ann Dunham, remarried Lolo Soetoro, a foreign student from Indonesia, and the family moved to Jakarta, Indonesia, where Obama spent several years of his childhood.
1971-1979
Return to Hawaii and Education
Obama returned to Hawaii to live with his maternal grandparents and attended Punahou School, graduating in 1979. This period marked a significant transition in his life as he adjusted to American culture and education after his time in Indonesia.
1983
Graduation from Columbia University
Obama graduated from Columbia University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science. After college, he worked briefly as an analyst at Business International Corporation in New York City before moving to Chicago to work as a community organizer.
1988-1991
Harvard Law School
Obama enrolled in Harvard Law School, where he excelled and became the first African American president of the Harvard Law Review. He graduated magna cum laude in 1991. During his time at Harvard, he met Michelle Robinson, who would later become his wife.
1992
Marriage to Michelle Robinson
Barack Obama married Michelle Robinson in October 1992 at Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago. They would later have two daughters, Malia and Sasha.
1996-2004
Illinois State Senate
Obama was elected to the Illinois State Senate, representing the 13th district. During his tenure, he served on several committees, including Public Health and Welfare, and was a Senior Lecturer at the University of Chicago Law School.
2004
U.S. Senate Election
Obama delivered the keynote address at the 2004 Democratic National Convention and was subsequently elected as the junior U.S. Senator from Illinois. He served in the U.S. Senate until 2008.
November 4, 2008
Presidential Election
Barack Obama was elected as the first African American President of the United States, defeating Republican candidate John McCain. He was inaugurated on January 20, 2009.
2009-2017
Presidency
During his presidency, Obama implemented several significant policies, including the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare), ended the War in Afghanistan, and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2009 for his efforts to strengthen international diplomacy.
January 20, 2017
End of Presidency
Barack Obama completed his second term as President and was succeeded by Donald Trump. Since leaving office, he has continued to be involved in public life through various initiatives, including the Obama Foundation and Higher Ground Productions.
