Barack Obama Biographical Timeline

Barack Obama seemingly rocketed to the Presidency of the United States from his public service to the citizens of Illinois and his humble beginnings in Honolulu, Hawaii. Track the rise of the President Barack Obama with this biographical timeline of key dates and events in his life.

1961
Born in Honolulu, Hawaii on August 4.

1979 Attended Occidental College in Los Angeles, CA.

1981 Transferred to Columbia University in New York.

1983
Graduated from Columbia University with a Bachelor's Degree and a major in political science.

1985
Moves to Chicago to become a community organizer with the Developing Communities Project. Operates out of the rectory at Holy Rosary Catholic Church on 351 E. 113th Street.

1991

• Graduated from Harvard Law School with a J.D. While there became the first African-American Editor of the Harvard Law Review.
  
• Returns to Chicago. Practices civil rights law.

1992

• Marries Michelle Robinson on August 3. Related: Barack and Michelle Photos - Looks of Love | Photos of Where they Held their Wedding Reception
  
• Starts teaching at the University of Chicago Law School. Remains on faculty until his election to the U.S. Senate in 2004.

1995
Runs for and wins the Illinois Senate Seat from the 13th District in the Illinois General Assembly.

1998

• Daughter Malia born.
• Wins re-election in IL Senate.

2000
Runs in primary for U.S. House of Representatives against four-time incumbent Bobby Rush and loses.

2001
Daughter Sasha born.

2002
Wins re-election in IL Senate.

2004

• Gives keynote address at Democratic National Convention on July 27. This exposure widely broadens his popularity and fame.
• Resoundingly defeats Republican Alan Keyes to win the U.S. Senate seat from Illinois in November. It is the first Senate race in U.S. history where two African Americans from the two major parties vie for a seat.

2007

Announces his run for the Democratic Nomination for President of the United States on February 10 in Springfield, IL at the Old State Capitol Building.

2008

• Wins Iowa primary on January 3 beating out Hillary Clinton, John Edwards, and others.
• Delivers groundbreaking speech on race and Reverend Wright in response to criticism about his association with the controversial minister. March 8.
• Edges out Hillary Clinton and clinches bid for the Democratic Nomination for President of the United States on June 3
• Names Senator Joe Biden (D-DE) as his Vice Presidential running mate at the Old State Capitol Building in Springfield, IL on August 23.
• Formally accepts Democratic Nomination for President at the Democratic National Convention in Denver, CO on August 28.
• Elected President of the United States on November 4. Defeats Republican John McCain.
• Officially resigns U.S. Senate seat on November 16.

2009

• Sworn into office as the 44th President of the United States on January 20. Related: Obama Photos on Inauguration Day | Inauguration Day Schedule of Events
• President Obama delivers his first speech to a Joint Session of Congress on February 24. Related: Text of Speech | Obama Key Speeches
• President Obama marks his first 100 days in office. See Photo Timeline of first 100 Days