Confronting Challenges

2020 was a year of uncertainty and unrest. But it was also a year where hope led the way, as new leaders stepped in to confront challenges with hard work, creativity, and empathy, and showed us how hope can turn anguish into action.

Read our 2020 Annual Report to learn more:

— The Obama Foundation (@ObamaFoundation) August 17, 2021

DACA: 9 Years

On the ninth anniversary of DACA, I’m thinking about all the brave DREAMers who have stepped forward to tell their stories. They have fueled a movement that is still working to guarantee the permanent protections they deserve. I will always be inspired by their fight. pic.twitter.com/YrVuuVTrrE

— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) June 15, 2021

Celebrating Dani

My family and I are mourning the loss of our beloved grandmother, Sarah Ogwel Onyango Obama, affectionately known to many as “Mama Sarah” but known to us as “Dani” or Granny. We will miss her dearly, but we’ll celebrate with gratitude her long and remarkable life. pic.twitter.com/avDY4f1PVu

— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) March 29, 2021

Just lost the most important person in my life – my gran, Mama Sarah. My heart is broken! But as I write, not able to stop the tears from pouring, I know I was blessed to have her for so long! My inspiration, my rock, my comfort zone, my safe space. Rest in peace Dani! ❤️ pic.twitter.com/GkkKrL4oYb

— Auma Obama (@AumaObama) March 29, 2021

Mama Sarah, as the step-grandmother of the former U.S. president was fondly called, promoted education for girls and orphans in her rural Kogelo village. https://t.co/d1kTc66mz8

— HuffPost Politics (@HuffPostPol) March 29, 2021

1988 when Barack Obama visited his grandmother mama Sarah Obama. Rest In Power pic.twitter.com/uW6LECa8LC

— WaHeru 🇰🇪 ☥ (@AlphaMsanii) March 29, 2021

Message of Condolence by the Council of Governors on the passing of Mama Sarah Onyango Obama. May her soul rest in eternal peace pic.twitter.com/GWfhgCseqc

— Council of Governors (@KenyaGovernors) March 29, 2021

2017. Mama Sarah Obama Goodwill Ambassador in Tsetse fly eradication receiving Dr. Pamela Olet KENTTEC CEO in Alego Kogelo to sensitize community on need to embrace modern techniques in tsetse eradication.
May she rest in eternal peace. we have lost an Ambassador and commander pic.twitter.com/U0pVaXncwt

— Kenya Tsetse & Trypanosomiasis Eradication Council (@KenyaTsetse) March 29, 2021

In 2008 I photographed Mama Sarah Obama. I walked into her gate unannounced and she graciously accepted l photograph her as she worked in her compound. A month later, her grandson Barack Obama was elected as the 44th US President. May she rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/s4TJ5cWo1Z

— Boniface Mwangi (@bonifacemwangi) March 29, 2021

Sarah Onyango Obama, stepgrandmother of Barack Obama, died on Monday at a hospital in Kenya. She was 99.

Known widely among Kenyans as Mama Sarah, she was seen as the matriarch of the former president’s extended family in Africa.https://t.co/0J0qpPdnvk

— The New York Times (@nytimes) March 29, 2021

My heartfelt condolences to the Family of Obama who has lost a mother, a grandma & a role model. Mama Sarah Obama, the Grandma to Former US President Barrack Obama dies at the age of 99 at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching & Referral Hospital. RIP MAMA SARAH pic.twitter.com/Gpsm3HIh2u

— CHERONO TOWETT LLB (@Mercy_Mutai9) March 29, 2021

President @BarackObama your grandmother's magnetic personality and ability to care deeply for others allowed her to cultivate many lasting relationships. She will always be remembered. May the soul of Mama Sarah Obama Rest in Peace. pic.twitter.com/fT8Wct3hbP

— James Orengo (@orengo_james) March 29, 2021

@BarackObama I had the privilege of meeting Mama Sarah twice (in 2015 & 2018); she was an AMAZING woman! Reminded m… twitter.com/i/web/status/1…

—
Timothy Otieno (@TimothyOtieno_) March 29, 2021

[VIDEO]: President Barack Obama dances with his grandmother Mama Sarah in Kogelo #RipSarahObama pic.twitter.com/Ggmi0wZdW1

— The African Voice (@teddyeugene) March 29, 2021

My Brother’s Keeper: 7 Years

Today marks seven years since we launched My Brother’s Keeper to reduce barriers and expand opportunity for boys and young men of color. And it remains true that the only way our country lives up to its ideals is if our young people can reach their fullest potential. pic.twitter.com/dOoOGPxnNv

— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) February 27, 2021

To date, My Brother’s Keeper has touched thousands of lives, and these are just a few stories of the inspiring youn… twitter.com/i/web/status/1…

—
Barack Obama (@BarackObama) February 27, 2021

Activist Family

It was great to hear from this impressive group of young leaders. If there's one thing we can bank on, it’s that young folks like these are our best hope for a more sustainable and just world. https://t.co/r3hzsgwgg3

— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) February 25, 2021

“You’re now part of my activist family.”

At the conclusion of our six-month inaugural Leaders: Europe program, 35 #ObamaLeaders joined President @BarackObama to talk about activism, inspiration, and building a sustainable future. pic.twitter.com/oLWDY0t0J6

— The Obama Foundation (@ObamaFoundation) February 25, 2021

Nine Days

I want to share this inspiring book about the events leading up to the 1960 election, from Dr. King's imprisonment to student activism in Atlanta to JFK's campaign. It's a story we can all learn from—a story of overlooked heroes and the power each of us has to create change. pic.twitter.com/yIaNJpRq7M

— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) February 19, 2021

“1963 Is Not An End But A Beginning”

Dear politicians/political influencers:

When you tweet about my father’s birthday, remember that he was resolute about eradicating racism, poverty & militarism.

Encourage & enact policies that reflect your birthday sentiments.

Here’s the authentic #MLK:pic.twitter.com/eCJWCVnD1k

— Be A King (@BerniceKing) January 15, 2021

If anyone had a right to question whether our democracy was worth redeeming, it was Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Because in the face of billy clubs and lynchings, poll taxes and literacy tests, he never gave in to violence, never waved a traitorous flag or gave up on our country. pic.twitter.com/TCmbuiXkUa

— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) January 18, 2021

On #MLKDay, we celebrate his life but we’re also called to live out his values through service of our own. Here are… twitter.com/i/web/status/1…

—
Barack Obama (@BarackObama) January 18, 2021

I always look at the quotes that people choose to post today on #MLKDay. When I see white folks post the "Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that" I cringe a little. B/c that's one of the top ones used out of context to scold us for our anger at white supremacy.

— Luvvie is the #ProfessionalTroublemaker (@Luvvie) January 18, 2021

As you honor my father today, please honor my mother, as well. She was the architect of the King Legacy and founder of @TheKingCenter, which she founded less than three months after Daddy died. Without #CorettaScottKing, there would be no #MLKDay. #MLK  #BelovedCommunity pic.twitter.com/cLvgTjeUwE

— Be A King (@BerniceKing) January 18, 2021

“We must face the hard fact that many Americans would like to have a nation which is a democracy for white Americans but simultaneously a dictatorship over Black Americans.”

Dr. Martin Luther King, 10 May 1967, Atlanta. pic.twitter.com/OKih9OANzt

— Jonathan Capehart (@CapehartJ) January 18, 2021

#MLKDay "He who passively accepts evil is as much involved in it as he who helps to perpetrate it. He who accepts evil without protesting against it is really cooperating with it." – Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. pic.twitter.com/s2A6YzSL63

— Morgan Freeman (@morgan_freeman) January 18, 2021

We can’t skip justice and get to peace.

“True peace,” my father said, “is not merely the absence of tension; it is the presence of justice.” pic.twitter.com/WsOHjBnXY5

— Be A King (@BerniceKing) January 13, 2021

Take A Stand

Congrats to the @Lakers and @Seattlestorm on their championship wins! Proud of all the NBA and WNBA teams and players who've been using their platforms to take a stand for racial justice and encourage civic participation this season.

— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) October 12, 2020

If You Call Yourself An Ally, Then Pull Up

Janelle did not stutter https://t.co/apOygCdcad

—
Brianna Holt (@BriannaNHolt) August 27, 2020

13TH

Beautiful. 👊🏾 twitter.com/netflix/status…

—
Ava DuVernay (@ava) June 16, 2020

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In the last 3 weeks, millions of members (a 4,665% increase vs. 3 wks prior) have sought out 13TH, Ava DuVernay’s e… twitter.com/i/web/status/1…

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Netflix (@netflix) June 16, 2020