Barack Hussein Obama II
- Born:
- August 4, 1961, Honolulu, Hawaii, U.S.
- Nationality:
- American
- Profession(s):
- Politician, Lawyer, Author
Early Life and Education
- Born in Honolulu, Hawaii.
- Lived in Indonesia with his mother and stepfather from 1967 to 1971.
- Graduated from Punahou School in Honolulu in 1979.
- Attended Occidental College for two years.
- Transferred to Columbia University, graduating with a B.A. in political science in 1983.
- Worked as a community organizer in Chicago.
- Graduated from Harvard Law School magna cum laude in 1991, where he was the first African-American president of the Harvard Law Review.
Career and Major Achievements
- Worked as a civil rights attorney and community organizer.
- Lecturer at the University of Chicago Law School from 1992 to 2004.
- Elected to the Illinois State Senate in 1996, serving until 2004.
- Elected to the U.S. Senate in 2004, representing Illinois.
- Elected as the 44th President of the United States in 2008, becoming the first African-American president.
- Re-elected as President of the United States in 2012.
Notable Works
- Dreams from My Father: A Story of Race and Inheritance (1995)
- The Audacity of Hope: Thoughts on Reclaiming the American Dream (2006)
- A Promised Land (2020)
Major Policy Initiatives as President
- Passed the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare).
- Signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (economic stimulus package).
- Ended the war in Iraq.
- Authorized the raid that killed Osama bin Laden.
- Established the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.
- Signed the Iran nuclear deal (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action).
Awards and Recognition
| Award | Year |
|---|---|
| Nobel Peace Prize | 2009 |
| Grammy Award for Best Spoken Word Album (Dreams from My Father) | 2006 |
| Grammy Award for Best Spoken Word Album (The Audacity of Hope) | 2008 |
| Grammy Award for Best Spoken Word Album (A Promised Land) | 2023 |
Legacy and Impact
Barack Obama's presidency is considered a watershed moment in American history, breaking racial barriers and implementing significant policy changes. The extensive analysis of political figures, including the potential for a comprehensive 'branko milanovic biography of barack', speaks to the lasting impact and continued interest in his life and work. His legacy includes the Affordable Care Act, efforts to address climate change, and a renewed focus on international diplomacy.