PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA: IMPACT ON IDENTITY FOR RACIAL/ETHNIC MINORITIES Melba J T Vasquez, PhD, ABPP PRESIDENT OBAMAS IMPACT ON IDENTITY Has the election and re-election of President Barack Obama been a reflection of increasing racial and ethnic harmony and respect? PRESIDENT OBAMAS IMPACT ON IDENTITY Insidious biases, even among those who consider themselves to be egalitarian will only be diminished with ongoing and constant promotion of awareness. And they clearly did not immediately dissipate because of the election of a very effective African American President of the United States. PRESIDENT OBAMAS IMPACT ON IDENTITY The election of President Obama has been a significant event, and has had powerful impact on the identities as well as on the movement in society toward justice for people of color. PRESIDENT OBAMAS IMPACT ON IDENTITY Culture and gender are identity variables that can affect a leaders style, behavior, emergence, and effectiveness in many complex ways. Gender role identities and cultural values can affect the choices they make about the manner in which they lead (Ayman and Korabik, 2010). PRESIDENT OBAMAS IMPACT ON IDENTITY President Obama has sought to explain Americas racial conflicts to a conflicted nation. PRESIDENT OBAMAS IMPACT ON IDENTITY When someone like ussomeone with whom we identify takes on a position of leadership, it makes a difference to our identities, our sense of worth, our possibilities. PRESIDENT OBAMAS IMPACT ON IDENTITY President Obama took office amid the Great Recession, stabilized the economy with a stimulus and auto bailout, resulting in the fastest pace of job growth since the 1990s PRESIDENT OBAMAS IMPACT ON IDENTITY Passed Affordable Care Act, and then the Supreme Court affirmed a key element of the health care law allowing for nationwide tax subsidies to help poor and middle-class people buy insurance. PRESIDENT OBAMAS IMPACT ON IDENTITY Health cost growth is at the lowest rate it has been in 50 years Wall Street Reform over fierce opposition Implemented regulations aimed at combating climate change. PRESIDENT OBAMAS IMPACT ON IDENTITY First U.S. President to embrace same-sex marriage equality, and presided while the Supreme Court decided to legalize it nationwide. PRESIDENT OBAMAS IMPACT ON IDENTITY Part of President Obamas legacy includes the appointment of Supreme Court Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan PRESIDENT OBAMAS IMPACT ON IDENTITY The presence of President Barack Obama has, in my opinion, inspired the hearts and minds of people of color who may feel just a bit more, that I can do this. Si, se puede! Melba Vasquez, PhD, ABPP