Keeping up with the Obamas

Regardless of our political affiliations, it is hard not to look up to the Obamas. Not only was Barack Obama the first black president of the United States, but he was also the first black person to hold many other minor roles, such as the presidency of the Harvard Law Review. Together, he and his wife Michelle have proven to be a power couple on countless occasions. Without going into detail of the accomplishments of his administration, let’s take a look at what the Obamas have been up to ever since Barack left the Oval Office to be replaced by the scary and overall inexperienced Donald Trump.

After two terms of presidency, the Obamas first enjoyed a much needed vacation. Barack did so after a noble and humble farewell. Among his goodbye tweets, I was able to find this one:

During these vacations, the Obamas were spotted in Hawaii, French Polynesia, New York and the British Virgin Islands, among other places.

Michelle and Barack later announced they will be writing their memoirs soon, to be published by Penguin Random House. Part of the money earned from these memoirs will go to charities, including the Obama Foundation.

Moreover, as this Time’s article claims, Obama will “return to the social­ justice issues that sparked his interest in pub­lic service back in the 1980s.” They will continue advocating for two pressing issues: climate change and the Affordable Healthcare Act, staples of Obama’s presidency. Additionally, with the Obama Foundation, Michelle and Barack plan to inspire a new generation of leaders by giving them the space and tools to guide their motivations.

If you would like to read Barack’s welcome note at the first Obama Foundation Summit, I would highly recommend it! I would also suggest listening to Obama’s speech and Michelle’s interview during the opening ceremony thereof. Although they are private citizens now, Michelle and Barack still issue statements on public matters, such as the Las Vegas shooting earlier in October, and the recent accusations against Harvey Weinstein’s inappropriate sexual behaviour. This goes to show the quality of leaders they continue to be.

Finally, I would like to end this quick update on Barack and Michelle with a message of hope. Many things have changed inside and outside of the White House since Trump’s inauguration. In many cases, change is painful, but it is part of the process of growing as a nation. Change gives us a chance to reflect on our past decisions, reevaluate our chosen path, and reconsider our goals. Change is hence a catalyst to retrospective thought, and thus should be embraced.

I will end this note with another of Barack’s tweets:  

Sources: 1/2

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