The First Black President: Barack Obama, Race, Politics, and the American Dream

Book info: The First Black President: Barack Obama, Race, Politics, and the American Dream (Paperback, 212 pages) – Palgrave Macmillan, 2009. Language: English.

The First Black President is a critical and passionate reflection on the political and historical implications of an Obama administration concerning the issue of race in America. Obama’s rise to political power has forever changed the contours of race relations in the country as many hail the new age of a “post-racial” society. Yet, an Obama presidency could further complicate real racial progress and could set race relations back in the country for decades to come if not viewed in the proper context. The book demonstrates that the Obama presidency must be celebrated as a historical triumph based on America’s racist past, but also the struggle for equality, justice and freedom must also intensify with recognition of its global consequences. The problem of race in America no longer just affects American citizens but impacts cultures around the globe. The book speaks to both optimists and pessimists alike who are struggling to understand how race factors into the domestic and international policy agenda of Obama who now sits in the highest seat of political and global power.

“Johnny Bernard Hill’s work, The First Black President, is clearly timely and immensely significant. Coming at a time when the 2008 presidential election is still fresh in our minds, it will attract wide attention among academics, politicians, church leaders, and many others in the public square.”--Lewis V. Baldwin, Professor of Religious Studies, Vanderbilt University

“This insightful book provides a sympathetic assessment of Barack Obama’s political philosophy and proposed social policies. Much attention is given to the similarities and differences between Obama and Martin Luther King, Jr. This book should be read by all who have specific questions about how the Obama presidency will help African Americans in general and especially those who are the most vulnerable among them.”--Peter J. Paris, Professor Christian Social Ethics, Emeritus, Princeton Theological Seminary

Johnny Bernard Hill is a scholar and community activist who teaches in Louisville, Kentucky. A graduate of Morehouse College, Duke University and Garrett at Northwestern University, Dr. Hill has written articles and books on figures such as Martin Luther King Jr., Desmond Tutu, and subjects related to the Black family, social justice, race relations, politics, and reconciliation in America.