Obama: In Pursuit Of A More Perfect Union

By: Jennifer Vintzileos

Produced by HBO Documentary Films in a three-part miniseries, Obama: In Pursuit Of A More Perfect Union tells the story of former President Barack Obama’s life from childhood to Presidency. As part of the AFI Film Docs Festival, two of those three parts were available for preview. In utilizing accounts from people who have had the chance to know Obama, their stories piece together the story of a man who would go on to make history in his time as the 44^th President of the United States.

As the son of Barack Obama, Sr. from Kenya and Stacey Ann Dunham from Kansas, Barack Obama always stood apart from his peers. Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, Barack was raised by his mother and grandparents Stanley and Madelyn Dunham. Early on in Obama’s life Stacey taught her son to appreciate different cultures and to embrace his heritage, an attribute that would carry over as he grew up and well into his time as President. Obama lived by the adage that under the skin, people were all the same. His time in academia opened his eyes to the real issues that lie ahead for the black community, prompting a young Obama to head out to Chicago at twenty-four years old in 1985. And, from there, the rest is history.

Director Peter W. Kunhardt is known for his documentaries about political figures and social issues and this documentary does not disappoint. Kunhardt shows us a comprehensive history of the real Obama, less polished and more human in the documentary. In his early years of college Barack wasn’t always the star student, yet he was passionate about issues that mattered to him. All decisions that he had to make on his rise to the Presidency were measured and well thought out, like moving around pieces on a chess board. The documentary shows how when Obama made big decisions he jumped in with both feet, determined to make a difference.  And his enthusiasm to make great change was infectious, even in moments such as his “A More Perfect Union” speech. It is within these attributes that I feel like I know the real Barack Obama.

One of my favorite moments were from Obama’s exploration of his religious beliefs during his early years in Chicago. In trying to help the community organize, Obama took to attending church services and establishing himself in the community. After giving it a lot of thought, he eventually chose to become a member of the Trinity United Church of Christ after numerous talks with Pastor Alvin Love—whom would later be asked to pray for Obama as he worked towards winning the 2008 Presidential race.

Obama’s legacy is something that will live on for years and years to come. He made history in his run for President, but not without the support of those who helped him on his way to the top. Obama: In Pursuit Of A More Perfect Union premieres August 3^rd on HBO.