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 previously served as a U.S. Senator for Illinois (2005-2008) and an Illinois State Senator (1997-2004). His presidency saw the passage of the Affordable Care Act, the end of the Iraq War, and the killing of Osama bin Laden. He is viewed as a significant figure in American history.

Sections (7)

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

1985: 1985 Chicago Bears

In 2011, Obama invited the 1985 Chicago Bears to the White House.

1986: 1986 Space Shuttle Challenger disaster

In 2011, Obama invited the 1985 Chicago Bears to the White House because they did not visit after their Super Bowl win in 1986 due to the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster.

October 1987: Meeting Jeremiah Wright

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

June 1989: Meeting Michelle Robinson

In June 1989, Barack Obama met Michelle Robinson while working at Sidley Austin. Michelle was assigned as his adviser for three months. She initially declined his requests to date.

1991: Engagement to Michelle Robinson

In 1991, Barack Obama and Michelle Robinson became engaged, solidifying their commitment to each other.

October 3, 1992: Marriage to Michelle Robinson

On October 3, 1992, Barack Obama married Michelle Robinson, marking a significant milestone in their relationship.

1992: Membership in Trinity United Church of Christ

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

1998: Birth of Malia Ann Obama

In 1998, Barack and Michelle Obama's first daughter, Malia Ann, was born. Michelle conceived Malia through in vitro fertilization after suffering a miscarriage.

2001: Birth of Natasha (Sasha) Obama

In 2001, Barack and Michelle Obama's second daughter, Natasha, also known as Sasha, was born. Michelle conceived Sasha through in vitro fertilization.

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).

2005: Move to Kenwood, Chicago

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

2005: Household Income

Obama's household income in 2005 was $1.6 million.

December 2007: Money Magazine Estimate of Obama's Net Worth

In December 2007, Money Magazine estimated Obama's net worth at $1.3 million.

January 2008: Statement on Christian Faith

In January 2008, Barack Obama affirmed his Christian faith, stating his belief 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.

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

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

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: Household Income Reported

In 2009, Obama's tax return showed a household income of $5.5 million, primarily from sales of his books.

2009: Church Attendance in Washington, D.C.

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 family does not attend church on a regular basis.

September 27, 2010: Obama releases statement on his religious views

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

2010: Charitable Donations

In 2010, Obama donated 14 percent of his $1.7 million income to non-profit organizations, including $131,000 to the Fisher House Foundation.

2011: Inviting the 1985 Chicago Bears to the White House

In 2011, Barack Obama invited the 1985 Chicago Bears to the White House, as the team had not visited after their Super Bowl win in 1986 due to the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster.

2012: Financial Disclosure

Per his 2012 financial disclosure, Obama may be worth as much as $10 million.

2013: Addition of Sunny to the Obama Family

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

2016: Inspiration from Personal Items

In 2016, Barack Obama mentioned that he draws inspiration from a few items that remind him of people he's met, including rosary beads from Pope Francis, a Hanuman figurine, a Coptic cross from Ethiopia, a Buddha statue, and a metal poker chip.

May 2017: Relationship with Sheila Miyoshi Jager Made Public

In May 2017, after Obama's presidency had ended, his earlier relationship with anthropologist Sheila Miyoshi Jager became public knowledge. Obama had proposed to her twice in the 1980s, but was turned down both times.