Barack Obama was the 44th President of the United States of America. He served as the President for two terms from 2009 to 2017. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential and iconic figures in contemporary politics. Here are some fun and interesting facts about Obama for kids.
1. Early Life – Barack Obama was born on August 4, 1961, in Honolulu, Hawaii. He was raised by his mother and grandparents. His father, who was also named Barack Obama, was from Kenya.
2. Education – Obama graduated from Columbia University in New York City in 1983 with a degree in political science. He then worked as a community organizer in Chicago, Illinois, before attending Harvard Law School, where he received a law degree in 1991.
3. Firsts – Obama’s Presidency was full of firsts. He was the first African American to serve as the President of the United States. He was also the first President to have been born in Hawaii.
4. Family – Obama married Michelle Robinson in 1992. The couple has two daughters: Malia and Sasha Obama.
5. The Nobel Peace Prize – In 2009, Obama was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his work in promoting nuclear disarmament and creating a “new climate” in international relations.
6. Signature Healthcare Law – Obama’s signature healthcare law, the Affordable Care Act, was signed into law in 2010. The law aimed to make healthcare more affordable and accessible to all Americans.
7. Famous Speeches – Obama gave several famous speeches during his Presidency. In his first Inaugural Address in 2009, he said, “We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus—and nonbelievers.” He also gave a speech in 2016 in which he quoted Harper Lee’s novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, saying, “You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view…until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.”
8. Books – Obama has written several books, including Dreams from My Father (1995), The Audacity of Hope (2006), and A Promised Land (2020).
9. Legacy – In addition to his work in politics and public service, Obama’s legacy is also marked by his efforts to promote education, social justice, and equal rights for all people.
10. Love for Basketball – Obama is an avid basketball fan. He played on his high school’s varsity team in Honolulu, and he continues to play regularly as an adult. He is also known for his love of the Chicago Bulls and often wore a Bulls jacket during his Presidency.
