On Jan. 20, 2009, Barack Obama made history when he was sworn in as the first Black president of the United States. Alongside his wife and former First Lady, Michelle, his inauguration signified hope for Black America. His two consecutive presidential terms remain unprecedented. As Donald Trump reclaims the White House on Monday, The Root takes a look back on Obama’s momentous day in Washington, D.C.
President Joe Biden worked as Obama’s right hand man for eight years. Here, is he pictured with wife Jill just before Obama is sworn in.
Barack Obama and wife Michelle stand next to Joe Biden and his wife, Jill, before officially being sworn into office.
Legendary boxing promoter Don King spoke during an interview while attending the inauguration ceremony for Obama at the Capitol.
Barack Obama winning the 2008 presidential election meant an end to Republican rule. Here, Barack and Michelle are featured with his predecessor, George W. Bush and former First Lady Laura Bush.
At Obama’s first inauguration in 2009, around 1.8 million people attended the historic event. This surpassed the record of 1.2 million set in 1965 by Lyndon B. Johnson.
The late Aretha Franklin wore a bow-tied, grey felt hat as she performed “My Country, ‘Tis of Thee” during Obama’s inaugural swearing-in ceremony.
While being sworn in, Obama placed his hand on a Bible held by his wife, Michelle—and it was the same Bible used by President Abraham Lincoln at his first inaugural.
While being sworn-in as President, Barack Obama stood by wife Michelle as well as their two daughters, Malia and Sasha.
Kezia Obama, Obama’s stepmother, tenderly speaks with Michelle during the swearing in ceremony.
Obama’s inaugural address lasted around 20 minutes and expressed optimism in the face of America’s obstacles. “The challenges we face are real,” Obama said. “They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America, they will be met.”
Black folks gathered in droves along the inauguration’s parade route. along parade route. Fatima Warren of DC reacts as crowd thinks Obama drives by on way to being sworn in.
Former President Bill Clinton and wife, Hillary, attended Obama’s swearing-in ceremony. Hillary Clinton would go on to make history as the first former First Lady to serve as Secretary of State during Obama’s second term.
Here, Obama just finished waving from his limousine as it proceeds along Pennsylvania Avenue in the inaugural parade.
On the campaign trail, Obama shared a message of hope and positivity. His slogan, “Yes We Can,”struck a chord with everyone in attendance at the Capitol on Jan. 20.
Rep. James Clyburn (D-S.C.) was in a jovial mood as he spoke with Martin Luther King III during the ceremony. Clyburn has served as the U.S. representative for South Carolina’s 6th congressional district since 1993.
