More than 40 years ago, I arrived in Chicago in search of an idea. I was a young man looking for purpose, who believed deeply in America, was inspired by the Civil Rights Movement, and wanted to be a part of something larger. The America I believed in was one where everyone has opportunity, everyone is seen, everyone belongs—because that was an America that had a place for me, too.
Barack: You told me all those years ago that you couldn’t promise me the world, but you could promise me an interesting life. Of course, you outdid yourself and managed to give me both.
Eight years in the crucible, and not once did you melt from the heat. Not once did you let it harden you. Instead, you used it to reveal your truest essence: your stubborn optimism and unflinching courage, your dazzling brilliance and unpretentious decency, your ferocious work ethic and absolutely unshakable moral fiber.
'we can't be friends (wait for your love)' has now surpassed 2 billion streams on Spotify.
It becomes Ariana Grande's fastest song to achieve this milestone.
Obama teared up during Michelle Obama's speech at Obama Presidential Center:
“You told me all those years ago that you couldn't promise me the world, but you could promise me an interesting life, & of course you outdid yourself & managed to give me both.”