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 representing Illinois (2005-2008) and an Illinois State Senator (1997-2004). His presidency was marked by significant policy changes and historical milestones, solidifying his place as a notable figure in American history.

Sections (7)

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

1934: Barack Obama Sr.'s Birth

In 1934, Barack Obama Sr., Barack Obama's father, was born.

1942: Ann Dunham's Birth

In 1942, Ann Dunham, Barack Obama's mother, was born in Wichita, Kansas.

1960: Obama's Parents Meet

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

February 2, 1961: Marriage of Obama's Parents

On February 2, 1961, Barack Obama's parents married in Wailuku, Hawaii.

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, shortly after his birth, Barack Obama and his mother moved to Seattle where they lived for a year.

June 1962: Obama's Father Graduates

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

1963: Dunham meets Soetoro

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

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 married Lolo Soetoro on Molokai.

1966: Soetoro Returns to Indonesia

In 1966, Lolo Soetoro returned to Indonesia after visa extensions.

1967: Family Moves to Indonesia

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

1970: Move to Wealthier Neighborhood

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

1971: Return to Honolulu

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

1971: Father's Visit

In 1971, Obama's father visited him in Hawaii for Christmas.

1972: Living with Mother and Sister in Hawaii

From 1972 to 1975, Barack Obama lived with his mother and half-sister Maya Soetoro in Hawaii.

1975: Mother and Sister Return to Indonesia

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

1979: High School Graduation

In 1979, Barack Obama graduated from high school.

1979: Move 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, Barack Obama visited Kenya.

February 1981: First Public Speech

In February 1981, Obama made his first public speech, advocating for Occidental College to participate in disinvestment from South Africa due to apartheid.

1983: Graduation from Columbia University

In 1983, Barack Obama graduated from Columbia University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science.

June 1985: Director of Developing Communities Project

In June 1985, Obama was hired as director of the Developing Communities Project in Chicago, working as a community organizer.

1988: Enrollment in Harvard Law School

In 1988, Barack Obama enrolled in Harvard Law School.

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: Visiting Law Fellow

In 1991, Obama accepted a position as Visiting Law and Government Fellow at the University of Chicago Law School to work on his first book.

1991: Graduation from Harvard Law School

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

1992: Lecturer at University of Chicago

From 1992 to 1996, Obama taught constitutional law at the University of Chicago Law School as a lecturer.

1992: Teaching at University of Chicago Law School

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

1992: Mother Earns PhD

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

1996: Senior Lecturer at University of Chicago

From 1996 to 2004, Obama taught constitutional law at the University of Chicago Law School as a senior lecturer.

1996: Election to Illinois Senate

In 1996, Barack Obama was elected to represent the 13th district in the Illinois Senate.

2004: Run for U.S. Senate

In 2004, Barack Obama successfully ran for the U.S. Senate.

2004: End of Teaching at University of Chicago

In 2004, Obama ended his time as a senior lecturer at the University of Chicago Law School.

2006: Interview Highlighting Family Diversity

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

August 2007: Obama addresses questions about his identity

In August 2007, Obama addressed a meeting of the National Association of Black Journalists, expressing puzzlement over questions about whether he is "black enough", and stating that "we're still locked in this notion that if you appeal to white folks then there must be something wrong."

October 2007: Obama acknowledges youthful image in campaign speech

In October 2007, Obama acknowledged his youthful image in a campaign speech, remarking: "I wouldn't be here if, time and again, the torch had not been passed to a new generation."

2008: Presidential Election Victory

In 2008, Barack Obama won the presidential election against John McCain, becoming the first African-American president.

May 2011: Meeting with Irish Cousins

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

2012: Presidential Re-election

In 2012, Barack Obama defeated Mitt Romney in the presidential election, winning a second term as president.

2014: Obama Begins Openly Discussing Racial Disadvantages

By 2014, Obama began openly discussing the disadvantages faced by many members of minority groups.

March 2016: Gallup Poll on Race Relations

In a March 2016 Gallup poll, nearly one third of Americans said they worried "a great deal" about race relations.

2019: Barack and Michelle Obama bought a home on Martha's Vineyard

In 2019, Barack and Michelle Obama bought a home on Martha's Vineyard from Wyc Grousbeck.

2020: Campaigning for Biden

In 2020, Barack Obama campaigned for Joe Biden in the presidential election.

July 2024: Obama Expresses Concerns and Endorses Harris

In July 2024, Obama voiced concerns about Biden's campaign following a debate with Trump. Later in July 2024, after Biden withdrew, Obama endorsed Vice President Harris for the Democratic nomination, alongside Michelle Obama, and delivered a speech at the Democratic National Convention.