Barack Obama

Inductee Jay-Z speaks onstage during the 36th Annual Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony

Music & Culture

Barack Obama honors Jay-Z at his Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction

12:08pm October 31, 2021

by Hazel Cills

The hip hop legend was inducted by the former president and comedian Dave Chappelle. The induction makes Jay-Z one of the few solo rappers to ever be included in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Bruce Springsteen, Michelle Obama and Barack Obama in the Blue Room before the Presidential Medal of Freedom ceremony on Nov. 22, 2016. It's one of many photos featured in the Renegades book.

In a new book, Barack Obama and Bruce Springsteen envision a more unified America

4:59pm October 25, 2021

In an NPR interview, the former president and the iconic musician speak about spreading hope amid widespread division and about the "critical patriotism" of Springsteen's "Born in the U.S.A."

Sarah Obama holds a photograph of her grandson, Barack Obama in Kogelo, Kenya while awaiting the results of Super Tuesday's primary in Feb. 2008. She died on Monday after a brief illness, and is being remembered as a beloved matriarch and philanthropist.

World News

Remembering Mama Sarah: Philanthropist And Obama Family Matriarch Dies In Kenya At 99

3:45pm March 29, 2021

by Rachel Treisman

Sarah Obama, the former president's step-grandmother who helped raise his father, died Monday morning after a brief illness. She spent much of her life promoting education for girls and orphans.

"For two months now, a political party and its accompanying media ecosystem has too often been unwilling to tell their followers the truth," former President Barack Obama said on Wednesday. Obama is seen here in October 2020.

Obama: 'A Moment Of Great Dishonor And Shame For Our Nation' — But Not A Surprise

9:00pm January 06, 2021

by Laurel Wamsley

"History will rightly remember today's violence at the Capitol, incited by a sitting president who has continued to baselessly lie about the outcome of a lawful election," wrote the former president.

Former President Barack Obama tells mourners Thursday at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta that they can honor the late Rep. John Lewis by helping to revitalize voting rights.

Obama Calls For Abolishing Filibuster If It Stands In Way Of Stronger Voting Rights

6:24pm July 30, 2020

by Bill Chappell

"Naming it the John Lewis Voting Rights Act — that is a fine tribute," former President Barack Obama said. "But John wouldn't want us to stop there."

Former President Barack Obama speaks Wednesday, during virtual town hall event with young people to discuss policing and the civil unrest that has followed the death of George Floyd.

Politics & Government

Obama Urges Young People To Keep Up Their Protests To Bring Change

9:37pm June 03, 2020

by David Welna

In a virtual town hall, the former president did not mention his successor. But he did extol the young demonstrators who he said give him hope the country will get better.

The Rev. Joseph Lowery gave the benediction during the inauguration of President Barack Obama.

National

Rev. Joseph Lowery, 'Dean' Of The Civil Rights Movement, Dies At 98

8:17am March 28, 2020

by Debbie Elliott

Lowery got his start as an activist organizing bus boycotts in 1950s Alabama. He led the Southern Christian Leadership Conference for two decades and prayed at Barack Obama's first inauguration.

Queue Listen Now

President Barack Obama celebrates with lawmakers after signing into law the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act health insurance bill in March 2010.

Politics & Government

The Top Moments From A Decade That Reshaped American Politics

10:24am December 31, 2019

by Domenico Montanaro

A tumultuous decade in politics saw everything from the presidency and reelection of the first black president to the rise of the Tea Party and the improbable election of Donald Trump as president.

Queue Listen Now

A military honor guard lays the U.S. flag on the casket of Rep. Elijah Cummings during his funeral service at New Psalmist Baptist Church in Baltimore on Friday.

Elijah Cummings Funeral: Watch Obama, Clinton Eulogize Baltimore's Favorite Son

4:24pm October 25, 2019

by Brakkton Booker

In addition to the former presidents, Kweisi Mfume, Nancy Pelosi and Hillary Clinton had been expected to speak at the service at the New Psalmist Baptist Church in Baltimore.

Ten democratic presidential candidates appear onstage before the start of the Democratic Presidential Debate at Texas Southern University in Houston on Thursday.

Politics & Government

5 Questions Answered About The 3rd Democratic Debate

11:24am September 13, 2019

by Domenico Montanaro

Former Vice President Joe Biden and Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren faced off onstage for the first time, but Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders wound up taking much of the heat, sparing Warren.