The Black Presidency: Barack Obama and the Politics of Race in America

Explore the complex intersection of race and politics during Barack Obama's presidency in this thought-provoking talk. Delve into how Obama's identity and groundbreaking tenure as the first Black president of the United States have been shaped by racial dynamics. Examine the president's public handling of race-related issues, particularly in light of national tragedies involving Tamir Rice, Trayvon Martin, Michael Brown, Eric Garner, Freddie Gray, and Walter Scott. Analyze Obama's major speeches to gain insights into his approach to racial conflict and the criticism it has generated within the Black community. Join Michael Eric Dyson and Jonathan Capehart as they discuss the hopes, fears, and transformative impact of a Black presidency on American democracy, drawing from Dyson's 2016 book on the subject.