The most dignified of ex-presidents can be relied upon to shine a light of decency, calm and compassion through his social channels.
Several of our heroes could, quite easily, dispense with the prefix of ‘Insta’. Chief amongst those is Barack Obama who hardly needs much by way of introduction. He is always – and has remained over the past tumultuous four years since he left the White House – a voice of calm, reason and compassion in a world that is frequently anything but. His abiding interest in the state of the country he once governed – and indeed in that of other countries – and his integrity are sources of inspiration to anyone who needs them, and can be accessed at any time via his brilliant Instagram account.
Right now, many of Obama’s energies are, naturally, being expended on support for Joe Biden, his former Vice President, in the run up to the seismic election in November. But aside from politics, we have always adored his humanity, whether displayed lightly in the form of sharing his summer playlist or more profoundly through his Higher Ground support for the disability civil rights movement; whether his touching and personal tribute to CT Vivian, one of Dr King’s closest advisors; or his sincere pride at the marriage equalities act that came into law during his tenure in the White House.
He is, in short, a force for good – both during his presidency and now. In his own words, as he addressed the graduating class of 2020, all coming of age in this most extraordinary of years: ‘First, do what you think is right, not just what’s convenient or what’s expected or what’s easy. While you have this time, think about the values that matter to you the most. Too many graduates who feel the pressure to immediately start running that race for success skip the step of asking themselves what’s really important.
‘Second, listen to each other, respect each other, and use all that critical thinking you’ve developed from your education to help promote the truth
‘Finally, even if it all seems broken, have faith in our democracy. Participate—and vote. Don’t fall for the easy cynicism that says nothing can change—or that there’s only one way to bring about change.
‘America has always made progress because young people dared to hope. Your generation is making sure that’s true of our present—and our future, too. I know you can do it—I couldn’t be prouder of all of you.’
To Barack Obama – and indeed, Michelle who is as much an inspiration – for always going high, even – and perhaps especially – as others go low: you’re our hero.
By Nancy Alsop
September 2020
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Right now, many of Obama’s energies are, naturally, being expended on support for Joe Biden, his former Vice President, in the run up to the seismic election in November. But aside from politics, we have always adored his humanity, whether displayed lightly in the form of sharing his summer playlist or more profoundly through his Higher Ground support for the disability civil rights movement; whether his touching and personal tribute to CT Vivian, one of Dr King’s closest advisors; or his sincere pride at the marriage equalities act that came into law during his tenure in the White House.
He is, in short, a force for good – both during his presidency and now. In his own words, as he addressed the graduating class of 2020, all coming of age in this most extraordinary of years: ‘First, do what you think is right, not just what’s convenient or what’s expected or what’s easy. While you have this time, think about the values that matter to you the most. Too many graduates who feel the pressure to immediately start running that race for success skip the step of asking themselves what’s really important.
‘Second, listen to each other, respect each other, and use all that critical thinking you’ve developed from your education to help promote the truth
‘Finally, even if it all seems broken, have faith in our democracy. Participate—and vote. Don’t fall for the easy cynicism that says nothing can change—or that there’s only one way to bring about change.
‘America has always made progress because young people dared to hope. Your generation is making sure that’s true of our present—and our future, too. I know you can do it—I couldn’t be prouder of all of you.’
To Barack Obama – and indeed, Michelle who is as much an inspiration – for always going high, even – and perhaps especially – as others go low: you’re our hero.
By Nancy Alsop
September 2020
READ MORE
Instagram Hero Of The Week: History Cool Kids
Instagram Hero of The Week: @jagosdipgjourney
Instagram Hero Of The Week: Nicholas Coleridge
