Today’s Wonder of the Day focuses on an individual who wears many hats. Not only is he an accomplished author and lawyer, but he is also a dedicated politician, a loving husband, and a devoted father. Most notably, he made history as the first African American to hold the esteemed position of President of the United States. Who is this extraordinary individual? None other than Barack Obama!
Barack Obama was born on August 4, 1961, in Honolulu, Hawaii. He was named after his father, Barack Obama Sr., who came to the United States from Kenya to pursue higher education and later became an economist. Obama’s mother, Ann Dunham, was an anthropologist.
When Obama was just two years old, his parents divorced. Afterwards, his mother remarried, and the family relocated to Indonesia. However, in 1971, Obama returned to Hawaii, where he spent the rest of his formative years. During this time, he alternated between living with his mother and residing with his grandparents.
Following his high school graduation, Obama enrolled at Occidental University in Los Angeles. After two years, he transferred to Columbia University, where he earned a degree in political science in 1983. Subsequently, Obama embarked on a career as a community organizer in Chicago’s south side.
In 1988, Obama pursued further education at Harvard University, ultimately obtaining a law degree in 1991. The following year, he married Michelle Robinson, and together they have two daughters, Malia and Natasha (Sasha) Obama.
The Obamas returned to Chicago, where Barack Obama began his political career. He spearheaded Project Vote, an initiative that facilitated African Americans’ involvement in the electoral process during the early 1990s. In 1995, he published his first book, “Dreams from My Father,” which recounted his experiences growing up as a biracial individual in America.
In 1996, Obama was elected to the Illinois State Senate. After a mere eight years, he ascended to the position of Senator in the U.S. Congress. In 2006, his second book, “The Audacity of Hope,” was released and promptly became a bestseller.
In January 2007, Obama declared his intention to seek the Democratic Party’s nomination for the U.S. presidency. Following a series of primary elections, he secured the historic nomination as the first African American candidate to represent a major political party. In the 2008 presidential election, he emerged victorious, defeating his opponent John McCain. On January 20, 2009, Barack Obama was inaugurated as the first African American President of the United States.
During his tenure, President Obama achieved numerous accomplishments. He prioritized enhancing America’s international relations, oversaw the country’s economic recovery from the Great Recession of 2008, and successfully orchestrated the capture of Osama bin Laden, the mastermind behind the September 11, 2001 attacks. In recognition of his efforts, Obama was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2009.
However, the Obama Presidency was not without its controversies. He faced accusations of overstepping his authority through the issuance of executive orders pertaining to areas such as environmental protection and healthcare. Additionally, he was criticized for mishandling the defense of the U.S. diplomatic post in Libya, which resulted in the deaths of four Americans.
After serving two terms, President Obama left the White House in 2017. His enduring legacies include the implementation of the Affordable Care Act, the Paris Agreement on climate change, and the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. Presently, he remains actively engaged in public affairs while overseeing the Obama Foundation, which aims to inspire, empower, and connect individuals in their pursuit of positive change.
If you harbor dreams of a future in politics, envisioning yourself as a governor, representative, or senator, who knows? Perhaps one day, you may even find yourself occupying the prestigious position of the President of the United States!
Give It a Try
Ready to engage in the presidential experience? Enlist the help of a friend or family member for the following activities.
- President Barack Obama achieved historic milestones. Expand your knowledge about his life and presidency through these facts from Kiddle. Which fact surprised you the most? Which fact do you consider to be the most widely known about President Obama? Share something you’ve learned with a friend or family member.
- Can you imagine yourself becoming the President of the United States? How would it feel? What would it take to reach that position? Compose a story about your journey to the presidency. How would you prepare yourself? Would you attend law school? Would you establish a successful business? Would you prefer to be a senator or a mayor first? Share your story with a friend or family member.
- Now that you have gained more insights into President Obama’s life, use Canva to create a poster or infographic showcasing what you believe to be his least known or most surprising achievements or details. Share and discuss your creation with a friend or family member.
Sources of Wonder
- https://www.whitehouse.gov/about-the-white-house/presidents/barack-obama/ (accessed 11 Feb. 2022)
- https://millercenter.org/president/obama/life-in-brief (accessed 11 Feb. 2022)
- https://www.britannica.com/biography/Barack-Obama (accessed 11 Feb. 2022)
- https://www.biography.com/us-president/barack-obama (accessed 11 Feb. 2022)
- https://millercenter.org/president/obama/impact-and-legacy (accessed 14 Feb. 2022)
- https://learnersdictionary.com/ (accessed 11 Feb. 2022)
FAQ
1. Who is Barack Obama?
Barack Obama is an American politician who served as the 44th President of the United States from 2009 to 2017. He was born on August 4, 1961, in Honolulu, Hawaii. Obama is a member of the Democratic Party and is known for being the first African American to hold the presidency. Before becoming president, he served as a U.S. Senator from Illinois and worked as a community organizer and lawyer. Obama is widely recognized for his efforts in healthcare reform, climate change, and improving relations with foreign countries.
2. What are some of Barack Obama’s accomplishments?
During his presidency, Barack Obama achieved several significant accomplishments. He signed the Affordable Care Act into law, providing millions of Americans with access to healthcare. Obama also implemented the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act to regulate the financial industry and prevent another economic crisis. He led the successful mission to kill Osama bin Laden, the mastermind behind the September 11 attacks. Additionally, Obama worked towards normalizing relations with Cuba and played a crucial role in negotiating the Paris Agreement, a global effort to combat climate change.
3. How did Barack Obama impact the United States?
Barack Obama’s presidency had a profound impact on the United States. His healthcare reform, the Affordable Care Act, expanded access to healthcare for millions of Americans who were previously uninsured. Obama’s economic policies helped the country recover from the 2008 financial crisis and achieve steady economic growth. He also focused on promoting clean energy and combating climate change, leading to increased investments in renewable energy sources. Obama’s commitment to equality and justice was evident in his support for LGBTQ+ rights and criminal justice reform. His presidency marked a historic milestone for racial equality as the first African American president of the United States.
4. What were some challenges faced by Barack Obama during his presidency?
Barack Obama faced several significant challenges during his presidency. One of the biggest challenges was the economic recession that began in 2008. Obama inherited a struggling economy and worked to implement policies to stimulate growth and create jobs. He also faced opposition from Republicans in Congress, which often led to gridlock and difficulties in passing legislation. Additionally, Obama had to navigate complex foreign policy issues, including the ongoing wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the rise of ISIS. Despite these challenges, Obama maintained a calm and composed demeanor and sought to find bipartisan solutions.
5. What is Barack Obama’s legacy?
Barack Obama’s legacy is multifaceted and includes several notable achievements. He is remembered for his efforts to expand access to healthcare through the Affordable Care Act, which provided coverage to millions of previously uninsured Americans. Obama’s leadership during the economic recovery after the 2008 financial crisis is also a significant part of his legacy. He made advancements in LGBTQ+ rights, including the repeal of the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy and the legalization of same-sex marriage nationwide. Obama’s commitment to diplomacy and multilateralism helped restore America’s image in the international community. Overall, his presidency is seen as a historic milestone for racial equality and progress.
6. What is Barack Obama doing now?
Since leaving the presidency in 2017, Barack Obama has remained active in public life. He and his wife, Michelle Obama, established the Obama Foundation, a nonprofit organization that focuses on leadership development and community engagement. Obama has also written a memoir called “A Promised Land,” which provides insight into his presidency. He frequently speaks at various events and conferences, addressing topics such as democracy, civic engagement, and the importance of public service. Additionally, Obama has been involved in campaigning for Democratic candidates and advocating for issues such as voting rights and criminal justice reform.
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