@Re I've always enjoyed listening to a wide variety of music, so it’s no surprise that I listened to a little bit of everything this year. I hope you find a new artist or song to add to your own playlist.
Re Next up are my favorite movies of the year. Each of these films tells a powerful story, and I hope you enjoy them as much as I did.
Over the next few days, I'll share my annual list of favorite books, music, and movies. Art always sustains and nourishes the soul. But for me, music and storytelling felt especially urgent during this pandemic year. I'll start by sharing some of my favorite books of 2021:
Michelle and I loved being back in Chicago last week. It was a quick trip, but we packed a lot in — and met some fantastic people along the way. Take a look.
As Chancellor, Angela Merkel served with integrity, leading Germany and Europe through many storms. Drawing on her wise pragmatism and her unrelenting moral compass, she made hard decisions and became a role model for many. Thank you for your leadership.
Eighty years ago today, over 2,400 Americans lost their lives in the attack on Pearl Harbor. Today we remember them, and all those who fought to protect our freedom.
Michelle and I wanted to give Santa a hand passing out gifts for the holidays, so we made a stop at the @ComerChildrens Hospital. We hope you and your family have a wonderful holiday season.
I heard the @ChicagoSky and @ChicagoBulls were visiting the South Side YMCA, so I decided to drop by, too. It’s always fun to meet young people who are learning to love the game.
Michelle and I are in Chicago this week to talk to folks who are working on some of the city’s toughest challenges. Yesterday, I met with leaders from across Chicago, heard their stories, and shared ideas. Change is never easy, but we want them to know they’re not alone.
Shots are never fun, but the kids I met at Kimball Elementary knew how important the COVID-19 vaccines are to keep our families and communities safe. Check out @ItsMadeToSave for more information about the vaccines, and make your appointment at
http://vaccines.gov/
If you got your COVID-19 vaccine before June, now is the time to get a booster shot. All adults are eligible for the booster—just go to
http://vaccines.gov/
Getting our kids fully vaccinated is the best way to protect them against COVID-19. Today, Dr. Fauci and I stopped by Kimball Elementary School to meet with families and kids getting their vaccines—and encourage more parents and kids to do the same.
I’m always inspired by young leaders like Rachid Ennassiri, who is helping more people in Morocco get involved in the fight against climate change. This Giving Tuesday, join the @ObamaFoundation in supporting the work of changemakers like Rachid:
http://obama.org/donate
Earlier this year, I had a chance to speak with Eric Williams, the owner of @TheSilverRoom in Hyde Park. This Small Business Saturday, take some time to support the hardworking small businesses in your city. They appreciate it more than you know.
Happy Thanksgiving! Michelle and I send our warmest wishes to everyone celebrating today. We hope you have a wonderful and safe holiday with the people you love.
Happy birthday to my friend and my brother, @POTUS! Thanks for giving all of us the gift of better infrastructure. Grateful for all you’re doing to build this country back better.
When it comes to climate change, we can’t afford to go backward—or even stay where we are. If we are going to act on the scale that’s required to combat this climate crisis, we all need to step up and meet this moment together.
The Obama Foundation: “It can be tough to change the status quo and at times it can be really lonely. Knowing you can call on a whole community of people, it means a lot.” —@NimaTisdall, one of the passionate #ObamaLeaders who joined President @barackobama for a #ClimateCrisis discussion in Glasgow.
In 2011, my Administration made a pledge to prepare 100,000 new STEM teachers over the next 10 years. I couldn't be prouder to hear that @100Kin10 not only met that goal, but trained an additional 8,000 teachers who will make a difference for our kids.
http://obama.org/updates/100k-in-10/
The newest cohort of @ObamaFoundation Africa Leaders will help unlock the incredible promise of the continent. I'm looking forward to supporting their work and following their journeys.
The Obama Foundation: Join us in welcoming the newest class of #ObamaLeaders from across Africa! Focusing on a broad range of issue areas from public health to women’s rights—these leaders are ready to work together to address their communities' most pressing needs.
http://www.obama.org/africa-2022/
Young people like @JackHarries and our @ObamaFoundation leaders are using their platforms to pressure the world on climate change. As we move forward with the Glasgow pact, we must listen and follow through on our commitments to protect our planet and secure a better future.
