“Barack Obama Day” on August 4, 2018 is the first celebration of the new state of Illinois holiday.

Illinois celebrates the first state holiday for the former President's birthday, "Barack Obama Day," on August 4, 2018.

Barack Hussein Obama photographed for Rolling Stone magazine in 2012
just before beginning his second term as president of the United States.

The bill was introduced to the senate floor by Senator Emil Jones III, and passed both houses of the Illinois General Assembly on May 19, 2017 with no votes against it, though several legislators abstained from the vote. It was handed to the governor for approval on June 16, 2017.

The day is “set apart to honor the 44th President of the United States of America who began his career serving the People of Illinois in both the Illinois State Senate and the United States Senate, and dedicated his life to protecting the rights of Americans and building bridges across communities.” Illinois Senate Bill 55 was passed by Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner (R) on August 4, 2017.

"It's incredibly proud for Illinois that the president came from Illinois. I think it's awesome, and I think we should celebrate it," Rauner said at the time. "I don't think it should be a formal holiday with paid, forced time off, but I think it should be a day of acknowledgment and celebration." Barack Obama Day is a commemorative holiday, not a paid hoilday so government employees continue to work.

Barack Hussein Obama's baby picture, Circa 1961-62.

President Barack Obama (born August 4, 1961 in Honolulu, Hawaii, USA - not in Kenya, Africa) is one of three presidents from Illinois, the other two being Abraham Lincoln (born near Hodgenville, Kentucky) and Ronald Reagan (born in Tampico, Illinois).

NOTE: Perry County, Alabama, declared the second Monday of November to be Barack Obama Day.

Compiled by Neil Gale, Ph.D.