Icons Season 1 Episode 19 Barack Obama

Icons is a documentary series that explores the lives of some of the most influential and iconic figures of our time. In season 1 episode 19, the show shines a spotlight on one of the most admired and controversial figures of the 21st century, Barack Obama.

The episode delves into the life of Barack Obama from his childhood to his rise to the presidency. It explores the challenges he faced growing up as a biracial child with a Kenyan father and a white American mother in Hawaii. The episode also highlights his educational journey, from attending Occidental College in Los Angeles to transferring to Columbia University in New York City where he majored in political science.

One of the most impactful moments in the episode is when Obama discusses his work as a community organizer in Chicago's South Side. He speaks about the importance of community building and how it influenced his political career. The episode also features interviews with some of Obama's colleagues during his community organizing days, including Jerry

Kellman, who helped recruit Obama for the job in Chicago in the first place.

As Obama's political career began to take off, the episode explores his run for the Illinois Senate in 1996 and his historic election to the United States Senate in 2004. The episode further highlights the iconic speech he gave at the 2004 Democratic National Convention that brought him to national attention. The episode discusses how his focus on hope and unity resonated with people across the country, and how the speech ultimately changed the trajectory of his political career.

The episode also covers Obama's shocking election win in the 2008 presidential election, which made him the first African American president in U.S. history. It explores the challenges he faced during his presidency, including the Great Recession, the Affordable Care Act, and foreign policy issues, such as the killing of Osama bin Laden.

Throughout the episode, Icons showcases the highlights of Obama's presidency, from his efforts to promote clean energy and address climate change to his support for marriage equality and criminal justice reform. The episode also highlights Obama's personal life, including his marriage to Michelle Obama, and how they navigated their roles as parents in the spotlight.

The episode provides a well-rounded look at Obama's life and career, including his accomplishments and the criticism he faced during and after his presidency. It features interviews with many of Obama's colleagues, friends, and family members, along with archival footage and photographs that bring his story to life.

Overall, the season 1 episode 19 of Icons delves into the life of Barack Obama, a man who made history and inspired millions with his message of hope and change. The episode paints a portrait of Obama as a complex and multifaceted figure who overcame adversity to become one of the most respected and admired leaders of our time.