Barack Obama is an American politician and attorney who served as the 44th President of the United States from 2009 to 2017, becoming the first African American to hold the office. A graduate of Columbia University and Harvard Law School, Obama began his political career as a community organizer in Chicago before serving in the Illinois State Senate and later the U.S. Senate. His 2008 presidential campaign, centered on themes of hope and change, captured global attention and led to a historic election victory. During his presidency, Obama signed landmark legislation such as the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare), oversaw the operation that led to the killing of Osama bin Laden, and implemented measures to combat the Great Recession. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2009. Since leaving office, Obama has remained an influential public figure, authoring best-selling memoirs and engaging in advocacy through the Obama Foundation.