Barrier-Breaking

Harry Belafonte was a barrier-breaking legend who used his platform to lift others up. He lived a good life – transforming the arts while also standing up for civil rights. And he did it all with his signature smile and style. Michelle and I send our love to his wife, kids, and… pic.twitter.com/g77XCr9U5b

— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) April 25, 2023

Disinformation

Disinformation is eroding trust in public institutions and threatening democracies around the world. We're working with our @ObamaFoundation Scholars and leaders to combat these forces, break through barriers, and meet their communities where they are. pic.twitter.com/rQuWvZg1uU

— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) April 12, 2022

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

I had the privilege of meeting Mama Sarah twice (in 2015 & 2018); she was an AMAZING woman! Reminded me so much of my own grandmother - loved education yet didn’t get much of it!

We spoke for a while in 2015 & gave me advise that I carry with me to this day. May she rest well🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/nW5zEy56m1

— 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

Perspective On The World

I first picked up Toni Morrison’s novels when I was entering college, and her voice fundamentally changed my perspective on the world. This Black History Month, I reflected on the impact that her writing has had on my life. https://t.co/zSLkfkHmET pic.twitter.com/W6Yn1YYaSF

— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) February 26, 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

“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 some ways you can get involved in your community: https://t.co/r9IGEW5dpD

— 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

13TH

Beautiful. 👊🏾 https://t.co/C2262PjsVj

— 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 essential doc about the intersection of race, justice, and mass incarceration in the US.

The film is also available for free on YouTube as an educational resource. pic.twitter.com/EYOVgHaV82

— Netflix (@netflix) June 16, 2020

Reverend C.T. Vivian: A Pioneer

Some thoughts on the Reverend C.T. Vivian, a pioneer who pulled America closer to our founding ideals and a friend who I will miss greatly. pic.twitter.com/kDsGhU2BF4

— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) July 17, 2020

Of all the superheroes in the civil rights era, C.T. Vivian was a star. Watching vintage footage of him to research SELMA left me in awe. The intellect. The charisma. The bravery.

The glory is yours now, Elder Vivian. Thank you for fighting for us. You will never be forgotten. pic.twitter.com/tymo8FGNwg

— Ava DuVernay (@ava) July 17, 2020

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“People do not choose rebellion, it is forced upon them. Revolution is always an act of self- defense.” - Rest In Power to #civilrights icon C. T. Vivian pic.twitter.com/ap11G7MX8V

— NAACP (@NAACP) July 17, 2020

For those of us who mourn John Lewis today, he would also want you to remember his friend Reverend C.T. Vivian. A fellow lion for justice who journeyed home to glory just hours before the Congressman. Together again now. pic.twitter.com/DMcbVYgMhf

— Ava DuVernay (@ava) July 18, 2020

John Lewis: A Legacy Unmatched

Not many of us get to live to see our own legacy play out in such a meaningful, remarkable way. John Lewis did:https://t.co/KbVfYt5CeQ

— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) July 18, 2020

Farewell, sir.

You did, indeed, fight the good fight and get into a lot of good trouble.

You served God and humanity well.
Thank you.
Take your rest. #JohnLewis pic.twitter.com/U1cPEwfCGO

— Be A King (@BerniceKing) July 18, 2020

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"How long can we be patient? We want our freedom now."

Rest in power, John Lewis ✊🏿 pic.twitter.com/lx5nOHsCeD

— African American Policy Forum (@AAPolicyForum) July 18, 2020

https://t.co/XPFsWuGmFJ pic.twitter.com/z6HMNH53w2

— Paolo Uggetti (@PaoloUggetti) July 18, 2020

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When I visited Uncle John last week, I looked in his eyes and said, “Well done.”

I told him that I loved him and that we are going to continue to fight.

So I must mourn and move at the same time.#JohnLewis pic.twitter.com/v6VxL48vgw

— Be A King (@BerniceKing) July 18, 2020

Vivian. Lowery. Lewis. Young.
👑👑👑👑 pic.twitter.com/aJyz9ML6FE

— Be A King (@BerniceKing) July 17, 2020

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#CTVivian and #JohnLewis have journeyed on together.

Two great vessels for the work of justice, including for voting rights for Black people in America.

It’s not happenstance that, in this critical hour, with so much on the line in November, their lives are lifted high. pic.twitter.com/LsW7Ol0eXL

— Be A King (@BerniceKing) July 18, 2020

Lowery
Vivian
Young
Shuttlesworth pic.twitter.com/1GRVnTYd1I

— Be A King (@BerniceKing) July 17, 2020

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“We were beaten, we were tear gassed. I thought I was going to die on this bridge. But somehow and someway, God Almighty helped me here.”

This would be the last time John Lewis would visit the Edmund Pettus Bridge, 55 years after Bloody Sunday pic.twitter.com/BXqHyO0CQl

— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) July 18, 2020

https://twitter.com/ira/status/1284336818490466304

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I’m finding myself in the deepest gratitude that John Lewis and CT Vivian got the chance to become elders. To pass on the wisdom. To pray for us. Grow us. Lead us.

They chose freedom work that easily shortens one’s life. And we got to keep them for a while. What a blessing.

— brittany packnett cunningham. (@MsPackyetti) July 18, 2020

John Lewis could have been martyred that Bloody Sunday. Rev. Vivian could have been murdered at those sit ins.

God spared them long enough for them to keep fighting and to teach us how to fight.

I’m awe struck by the privilege to walk this earth at the same time as them.

— brittany packnett cunningham. (@MsPackyetti) July 18, 2020

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My heart is heavy, but I am resolute.

They tread paths we get to walk.
What an awesome privilege.
What an awesome responsibility.

John Lewis. CT Vivian.
Giants who walked among us.

And we get to walk in their footsteps.

— brittany packnett cunningham. (@MsPackyetti) July 18, 2020

I say we get to, because liberation work is as much a privilege as it is a duty.

So many didn’t live long enough to see themselves worthy of being free, let alone struggle for it to become real.

Walk upright, family. As they did. As they want us to. No matter the strife.

— brittany packnett cunningham. (@MsPackyetti) July 18, 2020

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There is nothing we can’t over come.

I don’t care who beats us back. I don’t care who snatched progress. I don’t care how hard they try to wrestle freedom from our hands.

Freedom is ours. Justice is divine.

— brittany packnett cunningham. (@MsPackyetti) July 18, 2020

We will win.

— brittany packnett cunningham. (@MsPackyetti) July 18, 2020

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https://twitter.com/BridgetMarie/status/1284335406000070657

Elders, now ancestors. Hallelujah. pic.twitter.com/ze53PFMTuh

— Be A King (@BerniceKing) July 18, 2020

This Is A Movement

There have been more than 4,700 demonstrations during the recent Black Lives Matter protests, an average of 140 per day.

Estimates suggest there could have been as many as 26 million people who participated.https://t.co/eoJjSHOGkw

— The New York Times (@nytimes) July 3, 2020

The recent protests peaked on June 6, when half a million people turned out in nearly 550 places across the U.S.

That was a single day in more than a month of protests that still continue. https://t.co/eoJjSHOGkw pic.twitter.com/9oPLiVPMIL

— The New York Times (@nytimes) July 3, 2020