Today, former president Barack Obama celebrates a milestone birthday. Born August 4, 1961, Obama made history at the age of 47 when he was elected the first African-American President of the United States in 2008. Now a young 63 — and out of office –the Columbia University and Harvard Law School graduate continues to make Americans proud as he builds upon his legacy of public service, rallying the vote for Vice President Kamala Harris this year, and building out his production company with wife, Michelle Obama.
Today, we’re paying tribute to the amazing humanitarian who, along with his wife of 31 years, continues to teach us how to go high when others go low. In honor of this special birthday, we’re looking back at six of Obama’s best ESSENCE covers, some of which he shared with his wife and daughters, Sasha and Malia. Click through to take a stroll down memory lane below.