Presidential history

President Obama extends his hand as he stands behind a podium. On the podium is a sign that reads, “BarackObama.com” and features the Obama rising sun logo. The Illinois State Capitol building is in the background.
  • The Obama Administration
  • Watch
18 Years of Hope: The Evolution of the Obama Legacy

A look back at the beginning of President Obama’s candidacy as we celebrate what’s to come at the Obama Presidential Center

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An image of Michelle Obama embracing her mother Marian Robinson. Both women have a medium deep complexion and straight dark hair that hits their shoulders. They are both wearing white.
  • In memoriam
  • Donate
Celebrating the legacy of Marian Robinson

Honoring the legacy of our “First Mother-in-Law”

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The image is a combination of the headshots of Jessica Teal, Laura Olin, and Jeron Smith. From [L to R]: The first person is Jessica Teal: she has pale skin, blonde hair, blue eyes, and is wearing a red short-sleeved shirt. She is smiling at the camera. The second person is Jeron Smith: he has brown skin, closely cut black hair, and a mustache. He is wearing a dark blazer with a white t-shirt underneath. In the background of Jeron's headshot is an industrial set with orange lighting and tall metal beams. The third person is Laura Olin: she has pale skin, blue eyes, and blond hair that hits her shoulders. She is wearing a blue and white shirt and smiling at the camera. Behind Laura are green trees.
  • The Arts
  • Alumni
Meet three alumni who helped shape the Obama brand

Meet the minds behind the design, voice, and digital strategy for the Obama campaign and White House.

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President Obama sits at a desk signing the Affordable Care Act, surrounded by a group of politicians, then Vice President Joe Biden, and a young boy.
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  • The Obama Administration
A look back at 14 years of the Affordable Care Act

Hear from President Obama as he reflects on this milestone moment.

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President Obama and then Vice President Joe Biden clap as they stand at a conference table. In the background, people with a range of light skin tones clap and cheer. All are dressed professionally.
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  • Health & Wellbeing
Oral histories offer reflections on the Affordable Care Act

Personal stories released that highlight the legacy and impact of the ACA

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The image is a combined photo of five women. The first is Clarissa Kornell: she has long curly dark hair, a light olive complexion and is wearing a dark pink shirt with a light pink scarf. Clarissa is smiling in the picture. The second woman is Sabra Townsend: she has shoulder length locs that are curled. Sabra has a medium brown skinned complexion and is wearing a dark blue blazer with an orange shirt underneath. Sabra is smiling in the picture. The third woman is Juliet Choi: she has dark hair cut into a shoulder-length bob and she has an olive complexion. Juliet is wearing black glasses, a brown necklace, and a short sleeved blue blouse. Juliet is smiling in the picture. The fourth woman is Alefiyah Mesiwala. Alefiyah has long black hair, dark olive skin and hazel eyes. Alefiyah is wearing a dark blue scarf and a black shirt and smiling in the picture. The fifth woman is Jamie Lockhart: Jamie has long dark brown hair and pale skin. Jamie is wearing a pink blazer and a black shirt underneath. Jamie is also wearing a small diamond necklace and smiling in the picture.
  • Health & Wellbeing
  • Alumni
Meet five women making their mark in health care

Meet five women carrying forward the legacy of the Affordable Care Act in their communities

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President Obama tilts his head upwards along with out-of-focus onlookers. A digital screen shows something out of focus behind him.
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  • Building the Center
See President Obama’s reaction to the museum’s newest (and largest!) exhibit

Get a sneak peek at a four-story digital wall that will celebrate the “Power of Words” and pay homage to the first digital President.

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On the South Lawn, President Obama walks in the middle of a group of young men. All have a range of light to deep skin tones. They are wearing a mix of casual and professional attire.
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  • MBK Alliance
Meet two men whose lives were changed by My Brother’s Keeper

Get to know two young men carrying forward the legacy of MBK

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President Obama stands in the middle of young leaders at MBK Rising! All men are dressed professionally and have a range of light to deep skin tones.
  • Youth
  • MBK Alliance
My Brother’s Keeper Alliance celebrates 10 years of making a difference for Black youth

Take a look back at some of the program's most inspiring moments.

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Representative John Lewis and President Barack Obama are sitting in a room together laughing in the middle of a conversation. Representative Lewis is sitting on a couch on the left-hand side of the image with his hands placed on his left knee. He is an older, brown-skinned man with a bald head. He is wearing a blue suit, with a white button-down shirt, and a blue tie. The couch Rep. Lewis is sitting on, is the color brown. President Obama is sitting on the right side of the image in a beige chair. He is wearing a black suit with a blue button-down shirt. His arms are placed on the side of the chair. In the room of the image is a beige coffee table with a large blue book on top of it. On the front of the book is the number, “44.” The room has beige walls with pictures on the left side. On the wall are three pictures: the largest picture features a blue background and the figure of a man’s arms and head; the second largest picture is an image of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. speaking during the March on Washington; the smallest picture is indistinguishable. In the room there is a small brown side table that sits between Rep. John Lewis and President Barack Obama. On the side table is a table lamp with a white lamp shade and two framed pictures.
  • In memoriam
  • Changemakers
Celebrating the enduring legacy of John Lewis and his work with the Obama Foundation

Learn about the work of civil rights icon John Lewis and his influence on President Obama and the Obama Foundation.

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44 Alumni, Tess Hetzel (on the left) and Paul Montiero Jr. (on the right) are smiling into the camera. They are located in an office in the Maryland Capitol. In the room is a white fireplace with a black firepit, a black lace couch, and a beige wall with a larger painting – person unseen – with a gold frame. Tess Hetzel has a pale complexion, long reddish blonde hair, and blue eyes. She is wearing a yellow cardigan and a black v-neck t-shirt. Paul Montiero Jr. has a brown complexion, dark brown curly hair, and brown eyes. He is wearing a black and white pinstriped suit, with a white button-down, and a gray tie.
  • Alumni
  • The Obama Administration
Meet five Obama alum making a difference in state and local government

Meet five people whose time campaigning for President Obama inspired them to continue serving their communities

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Michelle Obama is sitting at a wood table surrounded by young teens from the Ludzi Girls Secondary School in Malawi. In the image Michelle Obama has braids in her hair and is wearing a gray and black geometric shirt, with a series of gold bangles on her left wrist; she is smiling and clapping her hands together. Sitting on both sides of her and across from her are young teen girls. The two sitting next to her are wearing white button-down shirts. The young girl to her left is clasping his hands and smiling at her. Across from Michelle Obama are the backs of two young teen girls, who are staring at her. Both girls have closely cut hair; the boy on the left of the image is wearing a white button down shirt. The girl on the right of the image is wearing a bright blue collared shirt.
  • Michelle Obama
  • Building the Center
Send a message to Mrs. Obama for her 60th birthday

Learn how Michelle Obama’s legacy is shaping the Obama Presidential Center.

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Barack Obama a man with golden brown skin sitting at a table wearing a formal suit while writing with a diverse group of people behind him with mainly neutral light skin and a little boy with brown skin wearing a formal suit looking at the paper Barack is writing on
  • Health & Wellbeing
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In depth: How the Affordable Care Act changed America

Understand the impact of this historic legislation for American families and share your story.

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Michelle Obama, her eyes watering with tears and her mouth pursed, sits in a room full of people. Bright spotlights are on the back wall. Everyone looks dressed in formal suit attire.
  • Equality
  • Barack Obama
15 Years Later: a look back at the “More Perfect Union” speech

When then-Senator Obama delivered a speech titled “A More Perfect Union” 15 years ago today, it became known simply as the “speech on race.”

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President and Mrs. Obama face Lake Michigan as they look at the Chicago skyline. Their backs are to the camera as they embrace.
  • Chicago
  • The Center
Why Chicago’s South Side means so much to the Obamas

From its vibrant history to their own personal history, here's a brief overview of the impact Chicago has had on the Obamas.

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  • Your Voice
  • Community Engagement
Oral history FAQ

Oral History FAQ

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Barack Obama sits on a red and tan couch holding the hand of a woman (his mother-in-law Marian Robinson). They are both dressed formally, in suit attire. The two appear to be watching something intently.
  • In-depth
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A look back at the 2008 election

Relive the 2008 election through the eyes and words of those who lived it below.

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  • Your Voice
  • Community Engagement
Preparing for your interview

Preparing for Your Interview

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  • Barack Obama
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President Obama reunites with woman behind 2008’s ‘hottest’ campaign catchphrase

Meet the woman behind the famous chant that inspired the nation.

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A photo of President Obama and a circle group of middle aged men and women. They are in a small office space, that has see in glass on the left. On the floor is a yellow/beige carpet with brown designs. Each person sits in a light black chair except President Obama who is standing and saying something. On their right are a set of spread out Obama Foundation Posters. Two men and women sit with light skin are sitting in the left of the photo in formal attire. On the right is one man and woman with medium to deep skin tones in formal attire. There faces are not visible to the camera.
  • Stories
  • USA
They said this day would never come

Then-Senator Obama’s Iowa Caucus Victory, 15 Years Later

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A side view of President Obama wearing black shades, a black jacket, and black pants, He at the bow of a boat surrounded by water around.
  • Sustainability
  • Alumni
The best possible shot to save the one planet we’ve got

Five years ago this week, the Paris Climate Agreement took effect, as nearly 200 nations committed to reduce their carbon emissions for the first time.

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President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama shake hands with Queen Elizabeth.
  • In memoriam
  • Stories
A legacy of tireless, dignified public service

Revisiting President and Mrs. Obama’s moments with Queen Elizabeth II.

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President Barack Obama, dressed in a black suit with a grey tie, stands prominently at the center of the canvas.
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  • The Arts
President and Mrs. Obama become a part of White House history with reveal of official portraits

Gathered together in the East Room of the White House, President Joe Biden and Dr. Jill Biden presented the official portraits of President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama, painted by Robert McCurdy and Sharon Sprung, respectively.

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A person wearing a hoodie with the hood up is shown in profile, crouching down to light a candle. She is seen in profile in the glow of candlelight coming from dozens of votives surrounded by assorted flowers. A set of small votive candles are arranged in the shape of a heart near the person’s foot. Six heart-shaped red balloons float above the vigil.
  • The Center
  • Building the Center
Future water garden to honor Ann Dunham, be graced by Maya Lin sculpture

Join other Obama alumni in coming together to support the naming of the Water Garden at the Obama Presidential Center in honor of the life and legacy of President Obama’s mother, Ann Dunham—as a gift for the President’s 61st birthday.

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Crowd surrounding The white house lit up by colors representing pride
  • Equality
  • Alumni
Justice like a thunderbolt

June 26, 2015 marked an unforgettable day in the Obama Presidency. The Supreme Court ruled on marriage equality, President Obama paid tribute to Reverend Pinckney and his eight parishioners in Charleston, and the White House shone with pride for all to see

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President Obama on stage taking a group photo with people who have a light golden skin tone wearing formal clothing
  • Barack Obama
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Ten years of DACA

On June 15, 2012, President Obama announced DACA, an executive action to lift the shadow of deportation for young people who came to the United States as undocumented immigrants.

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A young Black boy reaches out to touch President Obama's hair. They are in the oval office and a two other adults and one child stand to the side.
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  • Barack Obama
President Obama reunites with the young man from one of his favorite photos

Then five-year-old Jacob Philadelphia is graduating high school as part of the class of 2022. Watch his reunion with President Obama.

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In a room full of warm, dappled sunlight, former First Lady Michelle Obama leans down to hug her mother, Marian Robinson. Mrs. Robinson has her face against Mrs. Obama's, and embraces her with her hand.
  • Building the Center
  • Michelle Obama
For Mother’s Day, Michelle Obama announces a special honor for her mom Marian Robinson

Learn more about Michelle Obama's mother, Marian Robinson, and how she will be honored at the Obama Presidential Center.

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President Obama sits at a formal desk in the center of the image, glancing down as he signs a document. A young boy in a vest and tie looks on, as do Vice President Biden, Nancy Pelosi.
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  • Barack Obama
Twelve years later, Obamacare continues to thrive

12 years ago today, President Obama signed the Affordable Care Act (ACA) into law.

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A black and white photo shows three airmen seated in a military truck in conversation.
  • Equality
  • Building the Center
Preserving Black history: The HistoryMakers

It all started with an interview with Tuskegee Airman Colonel William R. Thompson.

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President Obama is on a walkway in a parade talking to and shaking the hands of many different people with various skin tones.
  • Changemakers
  • Barack Obama
“This campaign can’t only be about me”

A look back at the 2007 announcement in Springfield and the campaign that inspired so many to serve.

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(1980) Chicago Defender photographer, Antonio Dickey photographing dancer Tarin Springs practicing dance routine.
  • The Arts
  • Chicago
The creative brief: behind the lens with Antonio Dickey

Sometimes history is shaped not by the famous figures in front of the camera, but by someone behind it.

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The camera focuses on a man and woman with medium skin tones as they engage in conversation in a room of people
  • Programs
  • Changemakers
“I’m asking you to believe. Not in my ability to bring about change — but in yours.”

Five years later, a look back at President Obama’s farewell address and the call to action that drives our mission at the Foundation

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José Rico, former Executive Director of the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanic Americans, speaks at the White House Hispanic Action Summit in Durham, NC.
  • Alumni
  • Education
Taking up the baton: José Rico

Meet an Obama Alum who is helping young Chicagoans reach their dreams

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President Obama fist bumps a young girl with a medium skin tone while sitting in front of a computer. He is sitting at a table with another young woman with a deep skin tone.
  • Education
  • Barack Obama
Celebrating 100,000 new STEM teachers for America’s classrooms

This week, 100kin10 announced they exceeded a goal President Obama set in 2011: to recruit and train 100,000 new STEM teachers by 2021.

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President Obama stands next to a man with a light skin tone with short wavy brown hair while they look over a document in an office
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  • The Obama Administration
A conversation with Cody Keenan, former White House chief speechwriter

Learn more about the Selma text that will appear on the exterior of the Museum of the Obama Presidential Center

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An illustration of four people with a range of light to deep skin tones lifting one another up on top of a paper plane. The background is pink.

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