Early Life and Education of Barack Obama: A Complete Timeline

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Barack Obama. A timeline of key moments.

Barack Obama, the 44th U.S. President (2009-2017), was the first African American to hold the office. A Democrat, he served as a U.S. Senator for Illinois (2005-2008) and an Illinois State Senator (1997-2004). His presidency was marked by the Affordable Care Act, the end of the Iraq War, and the killing of Osama bin Laden. Prior to his political career, Obama was a community organizer and civil rights attorney. He is a graduate of Columbia University and Harvard Law School.

Sections (7)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

1960: Meeting of Barack Obama's parents

In 1960, Barack Obama's parents met in a Russian language class at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa.

February 2, 1961: Marriage of Barack Obama's parents

On February 2, 1961, Barack Obama's parents were married in Wailuku, Hawaii, six months before Obama was born.

August 4, 1961: Barack Obama's Birth

On August 4, 1961, Barack Hussein Obama II was born. He would later become the 44th President of the United States.

August 1961: Move to Seattle

In late August 1961, Barack and his mother moved to the University of Washington in Seattle, where they lived for a year.

June 1962: Graduation of Barack Obama's father

In June 1962, Barack Obama's father completed his undergraduate degree in economics in Hawaii.

1963: Meeting of Ann Dunham and Lolo Soetoro

In 1963, Ann Dunham met Lolo Soetoro at the University of Hawaiʻi.

March 1964: Divorce of Obama's Parents

In March 1964, Barack Obama's parents divorced.

March 15, 1965: Marriage to Lolo Soetoro

On March 15, 1965, Ann Dunham (Obama's mother) married Lolo Soetoro on Molokai.

1966: Lolo Soetoro Returns to Indonesia

In 1966, after extensions of his J-1 visa, Lolo Soetoro returned to Indonesia.

1967: Move to Indonesia

In 1967, Ann Dunham and Barack Obama followed Lolo Soetoro to Indonesia.

1970: Move to Wealthier Neighborhood in Jakarta

From 1970, the family lived in a wealthier neighborhood in the Menteng district of Central Jakarta.

1971: Return to Honolulu

In 1971, Obama returned to Honolulu to live with his maternal grandparents.

1972: Mother's Graduate Studies

From 1972 to 1975, Obama lived with his mother and half-sister, Maya Soetoro, in Hawaii while his mother was a graduate student in anthropology at the University of Hawaii.

1975: Mother and Sister return to Indonesia

In 1975, Obama stayed in Hawaii while his mother and half-sister returned to Indonesia.

1976: Creation of Public Financing System

In 1976, the public financing system was created, which was later turned down by Obama in 2008.

1979: High School Graduation

In 1979, Obama graduated from high school in Honolulu.

1979: Moves to Los Angeles

In 1979, after graduating from high school, Obama moved to Los Angeles to attend Occidental College on a full scholarship.

1980: Visit to Kenya

In 1980, Obama visited Kenya.

February 1981: First Public Speech

In February 1981, Obama made his first public speech, calling for Occidental to participate in the disinvestment from South Africa in response to that nation's policy of apartheid.

1982: Death of Barack Obama Sr.

In 1982, Barack Obama Sr. (Barack Obama's father) died.

1983: Graduation from Columbia University

In 1983, Obama graduated from Columbia University with a Bachelor of Arts degree.

1985: Chicago Bears won Super Bowl

In 1985, the Chicago Bears won the Super Bowl, they weren't able to visit the White House after their Super Bowl win in 1986 due to the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster, but were invited to the White House in 2011.

1986: Space Shuttle Challenger disaster

In 1986, the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster prevented the 1985 Chicago Bears from visiting the White House after their Super Bowl win, they were invited to the White House in 2011.

October 1987: Meeting Jeremiah Wright

In October 1987, Barack Obama met Trinity United Church of Christ pastor Jeremiah Wright.

1988: Enrollment at Harvard Law School

In the fall of 1988, Obama enrolled at Harvard Law School.

June 1989: Meeting Michelle Robinson

In June 1989, Barack Obama met Michelle Robinson while working at Sidley Austin. She was assigned as his advisor for three months.

1989: Summer Associate at Sidley Austin

During the summer of 1989, Obama worked as a summer associate at the law firm of Sidley Austin in Chicago.

1990: Summer Associate at Hopkins & Sutter

During the summer of 1990, Obama worked as a summer associate at the law firm of Hopkins & Sutter in Chicago.

1991: Engagement to Michelle Robinson

In 1991, Barack Obama and Michelle Robinson became engaged.

1991: Visiting Law and Government Fellow at the University of Chicago Law School

In 1991, Obama accepted a two-year position as Visiting Law and Government Fellow at the University of Chicago Law School.

1991: Graduation from Harvard Law School

In 1991, Obama graduated from Harvard Law School with a Juris Doctor magna cum laude.

October 3, 1992: Marriage to Michelle Robinson

On October 3, 1992, Barack Obama married Michelle Robinson.

1992: Membership to Trinity United Church of Christ

In 1992, Barack Obama became a member of Trinity United Church of Christ.

1992: Lecturer at the University of Chicago Law School

In 1992, Obama began teaching constitutional law at the University of Chicago Law School as a lecturer.

1992: PhD Degree

In 1992, Obama's mother earned a PhD degree.

1995: Death of Ann Dunham

In 1995, Ann Dunham (Barack Obama's mother) died.

1996: Support for Legalizing Same-Sex Marriage

As a candidate for the Illinois state senate in 1996, Obama stated he favored legalizing same-sex marriage.

1996: Senior Lecturer at the University of Chicago Law School

In 1996, Obama became a senior lecturer at the University of Chicago Law School.

1998: Birth of Malia Ann Obama

In 1998, Malia Ann, the first daughter of Barack and Michelle Obama, was born.

2001: Birth of Natasha ("Sasha") Obama

In 2001, Natasha ("Sasha"), the second daughter of Barack and Michelle Obama, was born.

2004: Support for Civil Unions

During his Senate run in 2004, Obama said he supported civil unions and domestic partnerships for same-sex partners but opposed same-sex marriages.

2004: End of Teaching at University of Chicago Law School

In 2004, Obama ended his tenure teaching constitutional law at the University of Chicago Law School

2005: Throwing First Pitch at ALCS

In 2005, Barack Obama, then a senator, threw out the first pitch at the American League Championship Series (ALCS) game.

2005: Obama Family Moves to Kenwood, Chicago

In 2005, using proceeds from a book deal, the Obama family moved from a Hyde Park condominium to a $1.6 million house in Kenwood, Chicago.

2006: Diversity of Extended Family

In a 2006 interview, Obama highlighted the diversity of his extended family.

2007: Discovery of Ancestral Link in Moneygall, Ireland

In 2007, it was discovered that Ann Dunham's great-great-grandfather, Falmouth Kearney, emigrated from the village of Moneygall, Ireland, to the U.S. in 1850.

January 2008: Obama Discusses Christian Faith

In January 2008, Barack Obama told Christianity Today that he is a Christian and believes in the redemptive death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

May 2008: Resignation from Trinity United Church of Christ

In May 2008, during his first presidential campaign, Barack Obama resigned from Trinity United Church of Christ after some of Jeremiah Wright's statements were criticized.

June 19, 2008: Obama Turns Down Public Financing

On June 19, 2008, Barack Obama became the first major-party presidential candidate since 1976 to turn down public financing in the general election, demonstrating a unique approach to campaign funding.

August 23, 2008: Obama Selects Joe Biden as Running Mate

On August 23, 2008, Barack Obama announced his selection of Delaware senator Joe Biden as his vice presidential running mate, a decision made from a speculated field including Evan Bayh and Tim Kaine.

October 2008: Presidential Debates

In October 2008, Barack Obama and John McCain engaged in three presidential debates as part of the election process.

November 2, 2008: Death of Madelyn Dunham

On November 2, 2008, Madelyn Dunham, Obama's maternal grandmother, passed away.

2008: Promise to End Don't Ask, Don't Tell

During the 2008 presidential campaign, Obama promised to end the 'don't ask, don't tell' policy, a commitment he fulfilled in 2010.

2008: Nomination by the Democratic Party for president.

In 2008, Barack Obama was nominated by the Democratic Party for president after a close primary campaign against Hillary Clinton. He selected Joe Biden as his running mate and would later defeat Republican nominee John McCain and his running mate Sarah Palin.

2008: Opposition to Gay Marriage

In 2008, Obama reaffirmed his position by stating "I believe marriage is between a man and a woman. I am not in favor of gay marriage."

January 2009: Move to Washington, D.C. and daughters start at Sidwell Friends School

In January 2009, the Obama family moved to Washington, D.C., and his daughters started attending Sidwell Friends School.

January 20, 2009: Obama's Inauguration

On January 20, 2009, Barack Obama was inaugurated as the 44th President of the United States, marking the beginning of his presidency.

2009: Throwing First Pitch at All-Star Game

In 2009, Barack Obama threw out the ceremonial first pitch at the All-Star Game while wearing a Chicago White Sox jacket.

2009: Attending Protestant Churches

Since moving to Washington, D.C., in 2009, the Obama family has attended several Protestant churches, including Shiloh Baptist Church and St. John's Episcopal Church, as well as Evergreen Chapel at Camp David, but the members of the family do not attend church on a regular basis.

September 27, 2010: Obama Released Statement Commenting on Religious Views

On September 27, 2010, Barack Obama released a statement commenting on his religious views.

April 4, 2011: Obama Files for Reelection

On April 4, 2011, Barack Obama officially filed election papers and announced his reelection campaign for 2012 with a video titled "It Begins with Us" posted on his website.

May 2011: Meeting with Irish Cousins in Moneygall

In May 2011, Obama met with his Irish cousins in Moneygall.

2011: Invitation of 1985 Chicago Bears to the White House

In 2011, Barack Obama invited the 1985 Chicago Bears to the White House, commemorating their Super Bowl win, which they had not been able to celebrate at the White House in 1986 due to the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster.

April 3, 2012: Obama Secures Democratic Nomination

On April 3, 2012, Barack Obama secured the 2778 convention delegates needed to win the Democratic nomination, paving the way for his reelection campaign.

May 9, 2012: Obama Affirms Support for Same-Sex Marriage

On May 9, 2012, Obama publicly affirmed his personal support for the legalization of same-sex marriage, becoming the first sitting U.S. president to do so.

July 2012: Ancestry.com Finds Link to Enslaved African Man

In July 2012, Ancestry.com found a strong likelihood that Ann Dunham, Barack Obama's mother, was descended from John Punch, an enslaved African man who lived in the Colony of Virginia during the seventeenth century.

January 21, 2013: Inaugural Address on Gay Rights

During his second inaugural address on January 21, 2013, Obama became the first U.S. president in office to call for full equality for gay Americans, and the first to mention gay rights or the word "gay" in an inaugural address.

2013: Addition of Sunny to the Obama Family

In 2013, the Obama family added Sunny, a female Portuguese Water Dog, to their family.

2014: Obama Discusses Racial Disadvantages

By 2014, Obama began openly discussing the disadvantages faced by many members of minority groups, marking a shift in his approach to addressing racial issues.

2016: Obama Discusses Items of Inspiration

In 2016, Barack Obama spoke about items he carries for inspiration, including rosary beads given by Pope Francis, a figurine of the Hindu deity Hanuman, a Coptic cross from Ethiopia, a small Buddha statue given by a monk, and a metal poker chip.

January 20, 2017: Obama's Presidency Ends

On January 20, 2017, Obama's presidency concluded with the inauguration of his successor, Donald Trump, marking the end of his time in office.

May 2017: Relationship with Sheila Miyoshi Jager Made Public

In May 2017, Barack Obama's previous relationship with anthropologist Sheila Miyoshi Jager became public after his presidency had ended. They had been together in Chicago in the 1980s, and he had proposed to her twice, but she and her parents turned him down.

January 2021: Obama Attends Joe Biden's Inauguration

In January 2021, Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle Obama, attended the inauguration ceremony of Joe Biden as the new President of the United States.