Barack Obama is an inspiring figure and role model to special education students. As the first African-American President of The United States, he has achieved a remarkable legacy that should be celebrated this Black History Month.
Here are five reasons why special education students should learn about Barack Obama:
- He defied expectations and broke through barriers. Despite being raised by a single mother on food stamps, Obama managed to attend Columbia University and Harvard Law School.[1] His journey into politics would prove even more challenging — but with hard work and determination, he made history in 2008 becoming the first black person elected to the highest office in America.[2]
- He implemented progressive policies that inspired social change. During his two terms in office, President Obama signed 22 executive orders aimed at civil rights reform[3], worked with Congress to pass laws protecting LGBT rights[4], and invested billions of dollars into minority communities via initiatives like My Brother’s Keeper which addresses persistent opportunity gaps faced by young men of color.[5]
- He championed education reform as well as health care reform. Through measures like expanding Pell Grants for low income students[6], strengthening No Child Left Behind standards[7], promoting STEM programs[8], and passing the Affordable Care Act,[9] Obama used his platform to help vulnerable populations gain access to better educational opportunities, improved healthcare services, and economic security.
- His style of leadership was one of civility, courage, compassion, and understanding.[10] His words didn’t just convince — they also inspired hope across our nation and beyond its borders. These lessons are especially important for special education students who need encouragement knowing that there is no limit to what we can achieve when we come together as a community striving for progress and justice for all!
- Barack Obama helped redefine what it means to be a leader—and left a lasting imprint on history.[11] In doing so he set an example for how individuals can strive towards greatness despite difficult odds—providing an inspiring blueprint for future generations regardless of their background or circumstance!
Show your support for Black History by purchasing A Celebration of Black History today! Invest in a product that celebrates the accomplishments of black pioneers and leaders. Their stories should be shared, and you can do just that with this collection of 20 easy-reader stories. With each purchase comes a digital pdf filled with all the stories and corresponding worksheets – sent directly to your email address instantly. #BlackHistoryMatters #SupportBlackHistory
[1]"Facts & Statistics About The Life Of Barack Obama" Biography 31 Jan 2020 https://www.biography.com/political-figure/barack-obama [2]"Barack Hussein Obama" Nobel Prize 10 Dec 2009 https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/peace/2009/obama/biographical/ [3] "Presidential Executive Orders: Number Signed By President" USA Today 13 May 2017 <https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2017/05/11/presidential-executive-orders-number-signed-presidenteo-obamabushclintonreaganfordnixoncarterfordeisenhowertrumanrooseveltcoolidgehardingtaftwilsonmc Kinleyclevelandhayesgrantjohnsonlincolnwashingtonadamsjeffersonmadison /101505594/> [4] "Obama Signs Historic LGBT Rights Bill Into Law" AFP 17 June 2009 http://wwwmcclatchydccomarchivesobama-signshistoriclgbt-rightsbillintolawarticle1360515html [5]"My Brother's Keeper Initiative Fact Sheet" White House 20 Feb 2014https://obamawhitehousearchivesgovsitesdefaultfilesombmbk_factsheet_final_02202014pdf [6]"Facts & Statistics About The Life Of Barack Obama" Biography 31 Jan 2020 https://wwwcelebritynetworthcomrichesobamabarackeconomyphp#ixzz3qjkxcjpF [7]"No Child Left Behind Law Reauthorized By Senate" Politico 14 July 2015http://wwwpoliticocomstory201568senateschoolsbill60278 [8]"Obama Administration Announces Major Reforms To STEM Education Programs Nationwide" US Department of Education 10 March 2016 <https://wwww