EBONY pays homage to one of the smartest, coolest men in America, Barack Obama, on his 60th birthday, with his own inspirational words—found in EBONY and beyond—that continue to inspire us 4 years after his last term in the Oval office.

Our first Black president loves the people of this country immensely, and for that, we love him right back.

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“All of us have to recognize that being a man is first and foremost being a good human. That means being responsible, working hard, being kind, respectful, compassionate.”

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Image: Pete Souza/ Courtesy of Barack Obama Presidential Library

“I couldn’t have done anything that I’ve done without Michelle … not only has she been a great First Lady, she is just my rock. I count on her in so many ways every single day.”

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Image: Courtesy of Barack Obama Presidential Library

"It is important to let the other person know that you care about them. [Michelle] appreciates the flowers, but to her romance is that I’m actually paying attention to things she cares about, and time is always an important factor.

EBONY MAGAZINE, 2007
Image: Courtesy of Barack Obama Presidential Library

"Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek."

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"Where we are met with cynicism and doubts and those who tell us that we can't, we will respond with that timeless creed that sums up the spirit of a people: Yes, we can."

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"I think empowering more women on the continent, that... is going to lead to some better policies.”

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“To be an American is about something more than what we look like, or what our last names are, or how we worship.” 

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"Nothing can stand in the way of the power of millions of voices calling for change."

Former President Obama Addresses Toxic Masculinity
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“We need to recognize that the situation in Ferguson speaks to broader challenges that we still face as a nation. The fact is, in too many parts of this country, a deep distrust exists between law enforcement and communities of color. Some of this is the result of the legacy of racial discrimination in this country. And this is tragic...”

“Since day one, my administration has been focused on creating opportunities for all people. And by almost every measure, this country is better off than it was when I started.”