Former POTUS Barack Obama: His Life Through The Years

Early Life and Education (1961-1983)
Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, on August 4, 1961, Barack Obama was raised in a multicultural household. His early years were spent in Indonesia and Hawaii, where he developed a keen interest in different cultures. Obama attended Occidental College in Los Angeles before transferring to Columbia University in New York City, where he earned a degree in Political Science.

Community Organizer and Law Career (1985-1996)
After college, Obama moved to Chicago, where he worked as a community organizer, focusing on improving living conditions in poor neighborhoods. He later attended Harvard Law School, becoming the first African American president of the prestigious Harvard Law Review. Upon graduating, he returned to Chicago to practice civil rights law and teach constitutional law at the University of Chicago Law School.

Illinois State Senator (1997-2004)
Obama's political career began with his election to the Illinois State Senate in 1996. During his time in the Senate, he worked on legislation to increase healthcare access, reform the criminal justice system, and promote ethics in politics.

U.S. Senator (2005-2008)
In 2004, Obama was elected to the U.S. Senate, representing Illinois. His keynote address at the Democratic National Convention that year brought him national attention. As a Senator, he focused on issues such as nuclear nonproliferation and government transparency.

Presidential Campaign and First Term (2009-2012)
In 2008, Obama was elected President, running on a platform of "hope and change." His first term was marked by significant legislation, including the Affordable Care Act, economic stimulus measures in response to the Great Recession, and the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act.

Second Term and Legacy (2013-2017)
Re-elected in 2012, Obama's second term included significant achievements such as the legalization of same-sex marriage and the Paris Climate Agreement. He also focused on immigration reform and improving U.S. relations with Cuba. His presidency ended with a focus on racial equality and police reform.

Author and Speaker
Post-presidency, Obama has authored memoirs, including "A Promised Land," which provides an in-depth look at his time in office. He continues to be an influential public speaker, addressing global issues and advocating for democratic values.

Post-Presidency (2017-Present)
Since leaving office, Obama has remained active in public life, focusing on issues such as climate change, democracy, and leadership development through the Obama Foundation. He has also written memoirs and continues to be a significant voice in American and global politics.

Global Advocacy and Engagement
Beyond the U.S., Obama has engaged in global advocacy, focusing on issues like youth leadership and global health. His initiatives include the Obama Foundation Leaders program, which supports emerging leaders in Africa, Asia, and Europe.

Meeting Michelle and Family Life
Barack Obama met his wife, Michelle Robinson, while working at a Chicago law firm in 1989. They married in 1992 and have two daughters, Malia and Sasha. The couple remains a strong and influential partnership, known for their close-knit family and shared commitment to public service and advocacy through the Obama Foundation.