There are a number of Americans who will probably spend Obama’s birthday and President’s Day reminiscing about the good old days when he was actually caring for people and doing real American political work like establishing the Affordable Care Act, taking action to save the environment by signing the Paris Agreement and creating 11.3 million new jobs that caused the unemployment rate to drop to 4.6 percent, the lowest rate in nearly a decade.
But as one of the flyest presidents in U.S. history turns 60, he says he could not have accomplished anything without his wife.
“I couldn’t have done anything that I’ve done without Michelle … not only has she been a great First Lady, she is just my rock. I count on her in so many ways every single day.”
And apparantely, the apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree when you look at Obama’s children. Obama made a teary-eyed statement about his daughters as he’s seen them grow, mature and start to lead their own lives post-graduatio.
“Sasha and Malia, before our very eyes you’re growing up to become two strong, smart, beautiful young women, just like your mom. And I’m so proud of you guys.”
Even though he’s no longer in the White House, the 44th President Of The United States has still been keeping busy by helping others to speak up for their rights as citizens and creating his foundation. Built upon many of the same principals as his presidency, Obama and his wife started clocking more hours for the nonprofit corporation, established in 2014, aimed at developing the future leaders and active citizens that will one day impact the world.
When Trump signed an executive order imposing a travel ban on folks from seven Muslim-majority counties and preventing Syrian refugees from entering the country indefinitely, Obama was among several leaders advocating for citizens to fight for their rights and protest. In a statement released just 10 days after he left office, Obama encouraged Americans to protest:“Citizens exercising their constitutional right to assemble, organize and have their voices heard by their elected officials is exactly what we expect to see when American values are at stake.”
But even with all of that, many in the Black community still ask “what did Barack do for me?” So, as we look forward to what he will do, we take a look back to what he has done. See below:
-
- My Brother’s Keeper: My Brother’s Keeper is a coordinated Federal effort to address persistent opportunity gaps faced by boys and young men of color and ensure that all young people can reach their full potential. Nearly 250 communities in all 50 states have accepted the President’s My Brother’s Keeper Community Challenge to raise money for young men of color programs. More than $600 million in private sector and philanthropic grants and in-kind resources and $1 billion in low-interest financing have been committed in alignment with MBK, and new federal policy initiatives, grant programs, and guidance are being implemented to ensure that every child has a clear pathway to success from cradle to college and career.
