President Obama recommends:

 


Hey Black Independent,


You probably know that President Obama shares his summer reading lists each year, but have you ever wondered why those specific books made the cut?


This year, in addition to his summer reading list, we’re excited to include President Obama’s handwritten notes that will give you a little insight into his recent reads and why he picked them up. Check out President Obama’s notes here!


"See all of President Obama's notes" with photos of a few of the notes on the right


Check out President Obama’s reading list

Next year, you’ll be able to check out President Obama’s favorite books in person when the newest Chicago Public Library branch opens at the Obama Presidential Center!


Learn more about the 19.3-acre campus here; we can’t wait to open our doors to welcome visitors from around the corner and around the world.

Learn more about the Obama Presidential Center

–The Obama Foundation

Trending Political Issues.

Jon: elevate the voices of veterans

Image
robert - Since we started our campaign to elevate the voices of veterans who support a diplomacy-first approach with Iran, over 20,000 men and women who have worn our country's uniform have added their names in support. Today, I want to share a few of their stories with you, and to let you know that in the next few weeks, we're going to be flying almost two dozen veterans and military family members out the nation's capital to make their voices heard loud and clear. Contribute $3 to help VoteVets bring these veterans to Washington, D.C. to lobby the Democratic representatives we need to hold the line ahead of the vote on the Iran deal later this month. Dennis, an Operation Enduring Freedom Veteran (Afghanistan) wrote in that  "The alternative is an eventual war, again, in the Middle East." Matt, an Iraq War Veteran from Colorado added,  "Based on my experience in Iraq, I feel that diplomacy is a better path than military action in southwest Asia ... Vo...
Read more

the most competitive governor's races in the country

Image
  Black Independent party, Your support has always meant so much to me. From my time in the state legislature to my time in the governor's office and everything in between, your support is crucial. I know you received a lot of emails over the last week, but I wanted to say: Thank you. This month, we saw a surge in donations, and because of you, we not only hit our July fundraising goal, we surpassed it. While we take a moment to celebrate our good news, we have to remain focused on our goals. I'm afraid our opponents will attack us even harder if we step off the gas now. So this month, it's even more important that we keep our eyes on the road ahead and hit every single goal we set. Black Independent party, this re-election campaign is only beginning. Our race is shaping up to be one of the most competitive governor's races in the country, and it's going to stay that way until the end. We're hyper-focused on starting this month on the right foot.  Will you help ...
Read more

OUR BLACK INDEPENDENT PARTY PARTY PLATFORM

: We believe everyone should be free, no matter race, color, creed, sex, gender and All Civilians should receive rights and respect in all phases of America and the World. "Victory at Home, Victory Overseas, Victory for All".
Read more

Patrick: America and Israel share an unbreakable bond.

Image
Friends, When it comes to taking a position on any bill, Floridians know my promise: I will listen to them, I will listen to my conscience, and I will deeply study what’s on my desk before making a decision. The past few weeks, the proposal on my desk has been the nuclear deal with Iran. I have to say, this has been the toughest decision of my career in Congress. After listening to arguments on both sides, carefully reviewing all the materials, and soliciting answers from both supporters and opponents, I have reached a decision. A nuclear Iran would be an unacceptable threat to America and Israel. As a nation, we must always keep all options on the table. But before we place our Armed Forces in harm’s way, I feel I owe it to all Floridians -- especially our servicemembers -- to exhaust all other courses of action. The deal we have is flawed. But it is also the best available option to stop the development of a nuclear weapon in Iran. Make no mistake -- Iran will remain a foe of Am...
Read more

Huma Abedin: Where meaningful action begins

Image
  Robert,    If you’ve ever left a conference wondering what now? — you’re not alone. That’s why I believe so deeply in the Clinton Global Initiative.   At CGI, the conversations don’t end when the meeting does. They lead to real partnerships, real commitments, and lasting results. It's a space where people from all walks of life come together to share and take action.   If you’re ready to move from intention to impact, I hope you’ll be part of CGI 2025. I’ve seen the power of CGI up close — not just in the headlines, but in the way it brings people together to deliver real solutions. Whether it’s expanding access to health care, advancing gender equity, or mobilizing resources in response to crisis, CGI helps turn shared purpose into measurable progress.   That kind of work doesn’t happen by accident. It happens because people show up, bring their full selves, and commit to doing the hard work together.   This September, we’ll come together again in N...
Read more

Michelle: President Obama 60th Birthday

Image
  Nancy Pelosi 1 message No attachment Aug 1 humbly asking I can't overstate the importance: I only need 2 more Democrats from 72904 to pitch in before midnight to OUTRAISE Republicans before our biggest End of Month Deadline. Will you be the gift that puts me over the top? >> I need you in these final hours. -- We can either let McCarthy and his super PAC's $15 MILLION outraise us. -- Or we can rise up, close this last gap, and hand him an embarassing defeat. I only need 2 more Democrats from 72904 to step up before tonight’s End of Month Deadline. I'm asking: C BBB Serving Arkansas 1 message No attachment Aug 1 Join BBB and Google Make your website work for you event Good afternoon, We invite you to join us on August 17th at 9 a.m. for a Grow With Google event: Make Your Website Work For You. Our presenter, Google's own Pamela Starr, will share tips and tricks on maintaining an effective and search-friendly website. In this webinar we'll cover: • What type o...
Read more

Mark: out of state billionaires

Image
Robert, We had another strong performance at the debate tonight in Fayetteville. Once again, we showed where Tom Cotton's priorities lie: With the out-of-state billionaires bankrolling his campaign. This year, his backers have spent over $20 million trying to buy this election. Why?  Because they know they can count on Tom Cotton. That's the difference in this race. I listen to you and he listens to the billlionaires.   But we can't rest on our laurels with tonight's victory.  I need you to commit vote, and I need you to commit to vote early. The polls show this race is a dead heat, and we'll need a strong turnout to ensure victory.  Click here to commit to vote.  Thank you so much for your support. Now let's go win this thing. Mark Pryor
Read more

There’s no other way to say it. Today is a big day.

Image
It’s the day we officially celebrate breaking ground on the Obama Presidential Center. And we wouldn’t be here without the unwavering support of people like you—people who donated, volunteered, shared stories, and supported our vision all along the way. Of course, our work has never been just about a building. We are dedicated to helping  community leaders develop the skills they need and build the relationships that will empower them to change the world. That’s why President and Mrs. Obama took a moment yesterday, as part of our groundbreaking celebrations, to sit down with the latest cohort of Obama Foundation Scholars from the University of Chicago.  This inspiring group is working to increase diversity in Chicago’s technology sector, support women entrepreneurs in India, promote arts education that revitalizes neighborhoods, and much more.  We’re just getting started. There are wonderful things in store for the Obama Presidential Center and the young leaders it will s...
Read more

Al: won't be easy

Image
Dear Robert, What if there was a magic button that could overturn  Citizens United , get the word “SuperPAC” out of our national vocabulary, and drive shady money out of our political system forever? Wouldn’t you push the heck out of that button? Me, too. But there’s no such button. All we can do is fight as hard as we can to limit the influence of big money -- and one important step we can take is passing the DISCLOSE Act, a bill that would force special interest groups to tell us who’s funding their political activities. There’s no button we can push to make the DISCLOSE Act law. But there is a link you can click:  Click here to join us in calling on Congress to pass the DISCLOSE Act now! In the end, what we really need is a constitutional amendment to overturn  Citizens United  once and for all. But that’s an uphill battle. And the DISCLOSE Act would be an important first step up that hill. Requiring that special interest groups reveal where they get thei...
Read more

Michelle: I have seen up close what it means to be president

Image
Friend --  I just left the stage at the Democratic National Convention, where I spoke about why I believe Hillary Clinton should be president. It was truly an honor to speak on her behalf. She is a devoted public servant, a passionate advocate for children and families, and a strong, experienced leader whom I trust with the overwhelming responsibilities of the presidency. And I am proud of the history she will make -- and the example she will set for my daughters, and all our sons and daughters -- as she breaks that highest, hardest glass ceiling. But that will only happen if every single one of us does everything we can between now and November to support Hillary. Now that she’s the nominee and we know who she’s up against, none of us can sit on the sidelines.   Chip in right now.   I have seen up close what it means to be president -- how you live every moment on a knife’s edge, dealing with the most complex, consequential issues imaginable. We need a leader with the ...
Read more