By becoming the first African-American leader of the United States, Barack Obama has been an inspiration to millions. His remarkable public speaking skills, words of encouragement and hope, and belief in the American people have led him to fulfill his goal of serving others in the most important position in the country.

Early Days of Barack

Born August 4th, 1961 in Honolulu, Hawaii, Barack Hussein Obama is the son of Kenyan father Barack Obama, Sr., and Kansas native mother, Ann Dunham. Obama notes in his memoir the difficulties and prejudices faced due to his multiracial heritage. After living with his parents in Jakarta, Indonesia, Barack moved back to Hawaii at the age of 10, and was ultimately raised by his maternal grandparents, Madelyn and Stanley Dunham. He was enrolled in the esteemed Punahou Academy in fifth grade and graduated with honors in 1979. Being only one of three students at Punahou of color, Barack learned from an early age what it meant to be African-American.

• Barack Obama Book

• Barack Conan Obama Obrien

• Email Senator Obama

• Ran Against Obama

• Obama Barak Biography

  Learn about Barack Obama's family background, his education, and how he rose to become the first African-American U.S. president, on Biography.com.