The Obama Legacy
An academic exploration of places, species, and cultural works honoring the 44th President of the United States.
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Honors in the Natural World
Zoological Nomenclature
Barack Obama holds a distinguished position in scientific classification, having been commemorated in the binomial nomenclature of at least 14 species, more than any other U.S. president.[1][2] This practice reflects recognition within the scientific community for his contributions or public profile.
Notable Animal Species
The scientific community has honored President Obama through the naming of various species:
- Aptostichus barackobamai: A species of water trapdoor spider.
- Baracktrema obamai: A blood fluke discovered in Malaysian turtles.
- Desmopachria barackobamai: A diving beetle identified in French Guiana.[3]
- Etheostoma obama: A species of darter fish.
- Lasioglossum obamai: A bee species native to Cuba.[4]
- Nystalus obamai (western striolated puffbird): A bird species found in the Amazon basin.
- Obamadon gracilis: An extinct species of lizard.
- Paragordius obamai: A parasitic horsehair worm.[5]
- Placida barackobamai: A species of sea slug.[6]
- Spintharus barackobamai: A spider species from Cuba.[7]
- Teleogramma obamaorum: A cichlid fish, honoring both Barack and Michelle Obama.
- Tosanoides obama: A fish species discovered within the Papahฤnaumokuฤkea Marine National Monument.
- Obamus coronatus: An Ediacaran organism, an ancient form of life.
It is important to note that the genus Obama (flatworm), and specifically the invasive species Obama nungara, were named coincidentally and not in honor of President Obama; the name originates from the Tupi language, meaning "leaf animal."[8][9]
Botanical Recognition
The scientific community has also recognized President Obama through the naming of a lichen species:
- Caloplaca obamae: A species of lichen.
Individual Commemoration
Beyond species classification, an individual animal has also been named in his honor:
- Barack Obama: An endurance horse that competed in equestrian games.[10]
Educational Institutions
Nationwide Naming Conventions
Numerous educational institutions across the United States have been named or renamed in honor of Barack Obama, reflecting his significance as the 44th President. These range from elementary schools to high schools, often signifying a commitment to leadership, technology, or international studies.
California
Several institutions in California bear his name:
- Barack Obama Academy โ Oakland, California (formerly an Alternative Learning Community)
- Barack Obama Global Preparation Academy โ Los Angeles, California
- Barack Obama Charter School โ Compton, California
Connecticut
Connecticut features:
- Barack H. Obama Magnet University School โ New Haven, Connecticut.[14]
Georgia
Georgia has recognized him with:
- Barack H. Obama Elementary Magnet School of Technology โ Atlanta, Georgia
- Barack and Michelle Obama Academy โ Atlanta, Georgia
Illinois
His home state includes:
- Barack Obama School of Leadership and STEM โ Chicago Heights, Illinois
Maryland
Maryland features:
Michigan
Detroit, Michigan, has:
- Barack Obama Leadership Academy โ Detroit, Michigan
Minnesota
Minnesota includes:
- Barack and Michelle Obama Service Learning Elementary โ Saint Paul, Minnesota.[21]
Mississippi
Mississippi features:
- Barack Obama International Baccalaureate Elementary School โ Jackson, Mississippi (formerly named after Jefferson Davis).[22]
New Jersey
New Jersey includes several institutions:
- Barack Obama Elementary School โ Asbury Park, New Jersey
- Barack Obama Academy โ Plainfield, New Jersey
- Barack Obama Green Charter High School โ Plainfield, New Jersey
- Barack Obama Elementary School โ Jersey City, New Jersey.[27]
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania includes:
- Obama High School (formerly Pittsburgh IB World 6โ12) โ Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.[30]
Virginia
Virginia has a notable renaming:
Global and Domestic Thoroughfares
International Recognition
President Obama's global stature is reflected in street names internationally, symbolizing ideals such as multiculturalism.
United States Street Names
Numerous streets across the U.S. have been renamed or established in his honor:
- Obama Way โ Seaside, California.[41]
- Obama Boulevard โ Los Angeles, California (formerly Rodeo Road).
- President Barack H. Obama Highway โ Glendale, Pasadena, and Los Angeles, California (section of CA State Route 134).[42]
- Barack Obama Boulevard โ San Jose, California.[43]
- Barack Obama Avenue โ Opa-locka, Florida.[45][46]
- Barack Obama Boulevard โ West Park, Florida.[47]
- President Barack Obama Parkway โ Orlando, Florida (approx. 1.5 miles).
- Barack Obama Boulevard โ Pahokee, Florida.[48]
- President Barack Obama Highway โ Riviera Beach, Florida.[49]
- Barack Obama Boulevard โ Quincy, Florida.[50]
- Barack Obama Boulevard โ Valdosta, Georgia (formerly Forrest Street).[51]
- South Barack Obama Avenue โ East St. Louis, Illinois.[52]
- Barack Obama Presidential Expressway โ Illinois (section of Interstate 55).[53]
- Barack Obama Way โ New Albany, Indiana.[54]
- President Barack Obama Boulevard โ St. Louis, Missouri (honorary renaming of Delmar Boulevard).[55]
- Barack Obama Avenue โ Ruleville, Mississippi.[56]
- President Barack Obama Avenue โ Cincinnati, Ohio (renaming of Reading Road).[57][58][59]
Geographical Landmarks
Infrastructure and Institutions
Transportation Hubs
Major transportation infrastructure has been named in his honor:
- Midway International Airport (proposed renaming) โ Chicago, Illinois.[67]
Libraries and Centers
Public facilities dedicated to learning and community have been named after him:
- Barack Obama Plaza โ Moneygall, County Offaly, Ireland (a motorway service area with a visitor center detailing his ancestral connection).[63]
- President Barack Obama Main Library โ St. Petersburg, Florida (renamed in 2018).[64][65]
- Michelle and Barack Obama Sports Complex โ Los Angeles, California.
- Barack Obama Presidential Center โ Chicago, Illinois (planned museum and library).
Commemorative Observances
Barack Obama Day
Barack Obama Day is recognized as a state holiday in Illinois, commemorating his public service and legacy.
Arts, Culture, and Media
Visual Arts
President Obama has been the subject of significant artistic works:
- President Barack Obama: A notable painting.
- Barack Obama "Hope" poster: An iconic graphic design from his 2008 campaign.[69]
- Barack Obama "Joker" poster: A satirical artistic representation.
- Situation Room: A photograph capturing a significant moment during his presidency.
- The Forgotten Man (2010 painting): A painting that references his presidency.
- Saraswati (2013 sculpture): A sculpture that includes his likeness.
- President Barack Obama (2018 portrait): An official portrait.
- Official White House portrait (2022): The formal presidential portrait.
- Obama logo: A distinct visual identity associated with his campaigns.
Film and Television
His life and presidency have inspired various cinematic and television productions:
- By the People: The Election of Barack Obama (2009)
- Change (2010)
- Obama Anak Menteng (2010)
- 2016: Obama's America (2012)
- The Road We've Traveled (2012)
- Southside with You (2016)
- Hillary and Clinton (2016)
- Barry (2016)
- America's Great Divide (2020)
- We the People (2021 TV series)
- Renegades: Born in the USA (2021)
- Obama: In Pursuit of a More Perfect Union (2021)
- The First Lady (2022 TV series)
- Picturing the Obamas (2022)
Musical Homages
Music has also served as a medium for honoring President Obama:
- Obama Girl (Amber Lee Ettinger): Associated with the song "I Got a Crush... on Obama".
- "Barack the Magic Negro": A satirical song referencing his perceived persona.
- will.i.am's "Yes We Can": A song inspired by his campaign.[63]
- "The President Sang Amazing Grace"
- "There's No One as Irish as Barack O'Bama"
- "Sรญ Se Puede Cambiar"
- "My President"
- "Deadheads for Obama"
- "Air and Simple Gifts"
- Change Is Now: Renewing America's Promise
- Hope! โ Das Obama Musical
- "Barack Obama vs. Mitt Romney"
- Barack's Dubs
- "Signed, Sealed, Delivered I'm Yours" (notable political significance)
Literature and Literary References
His influence extends into literature:
- Dreams from My Father (1995)
- The Audacity of Hope (2006)
- Of Thee I Sing (2010)
- A Promised Land (2020)
- The Obama Identity: A fictional work referencing him.
- Barack the Barbarian: A comic book series.
Proposed Renamings and Honors
Ongoing Recognition
Several proposals for renaming places and infrastructure in honor of Barack Obama have been considered:
- Pembroke Park Road โ Hollywood, Florida (proposed renaming to Barack Obama Boulevard).[66]
- Midway International Airport โ Chicago, Illinois (proposed by then-Mayor Rahm Emanuel in 2015).[67]
- I-57 โ Illinois (proposed by Congressman Bobby Rush to be renamed Barack Obama Highway).[68]
- Barack Obama Boulevard โ Milpitas, California (plan was approved but later shelved).[69]
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References
References
- Obama International Airport? Emanuel floats idea of renaming O'Hare, Midway
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Academic Disclaimer
Important Notice
This document has been generated by an AI system, synthesizing information from publicly available sources, primarily Wikipedia. It is intended for educational and informational purposes only, providing a structured overview of entities named in honor of Barack Obama.
This is not official endorsement or verification. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy based on the provided source material, the content may not be exhaustive or reflect the most current status of these namesakes. Users are encouraged to consult primary sources and official documentation for definitive information.
The creators of this content are not liable for any inaccuracies, omissions, or actions taken based on the information presented herein.