Obama Day

Obama Day History

Obama Day is dedicated to commemorating the legacy and accomplishments of the 44th President of the United States, Barack Obama. Primarily recognized within the state of Illinois, this day honors his political impact and celebrates the commitment to public service and the welfare of citizens nationwide.

Introduced by state senator Emil Jones III in 2017, Obama Day was passed by the Illinois General Assembly, recognizing August 4. It was an acknowledgment of Obama's time in the Illinois Senate and his two-term Presidency, symbolizing a tribute to his invaluable contribution to Illinois, and emphasizing his integral role in American political history.

This day, although not a legal holiday with closed government offices or school, is marked by various community events, public discussions, and volunteer activities to encourage unity, and service. Every August 4th residents of Illinois honor their local hero, celebrating the narrative of a young man, born in Hawaii, who made Illinois his home and impacted lives across the world.

Obama Day facts

• State Senator Emil Jones III and others introduced the Illinois Senate Bill 55 in 2017. It designated August 4 as Barack Obama Day but did not make it an official state holiday. The bill passed both houses of the Illinois General Assembly with no votes against. It was signed into law by Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner.
• Some of Obama's presidential accomplishments include:
  1) The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009
  2) The Affordable Care Act of 2010 (sometimes called Obamacare)
  3) The first sitting president to support same-sex marriage
  4) Ended U.S. military involvement in the Iraq War
• Barack and Michelle LaVaughn Robinson were wed on October 3rd, 1992. They met at the Sidley Austin law firm in Chicago where she was an attorney and he worked as a summer associate while attending law school. They have two daughters, Malia Ann Natasha (Sasha).
• Obama graduated from Columbia University in 1983 with a Bachelor of Arts. He majored in political science and English literature. In 1988, he enrolled in Harvard Law School. There he became the first black editor of the Harvard Law Review. He received his law degree in 1991.

In the News and Trending for Obama Day

Top things to do for Obama Day

• Watch CBS's video, President Obama's legacy: The high and lows. The video explores the former president's two terms.
• Read one of the former president's books. Here are our suggestions:
  A Promised Land
  Dreams from My Father: A Story of Race and Inheritance
  The Audacity of Hope: Thoughts on Reclaiming the American Dream
• Watch the former president's new comedy series with Adam Conover, the creator of Adam Ruins Everything. The series will be called The G Word with Adam Conover and will focus on the US government and how it works. It will premiere later in 2021 on Netflix.