Obama: In Pursuit of a More Perfect Union

A look back at Obama’s upbringing, his early days in Hawaii, and his pursuit of higher education at Columbia University and Harvard Law School. Through archival interviews, Obama reflects on the impact of an estranged father, growing up biracial, and his evolving relationship with the Black community in Chicago, where he worked as a community organizer.

After announcing his bid for the White House, Obama faces numerous obstacles along the campaign trail. Under constant pressure to define his identity, and frustrated by its distraction from other issues, Obama delivers his “race speech” in March 2008, a determined plea to look beyond America’s “racial stalemate” in order to advance unity and prosperity.

Obama confronts formidable hurdles as a president with a divided Congress, and, after passing the Affordable Care Act, the chasm grows ever wider. As the nation enters a period of heightened awareness around police brutality, critics accuse the administration of not doing enough to lead a conversation about race, and the president enacts policies that focus on racial justice.