Barack Obama has an extensive extended family, includingeight half-siblings.
When he was in his 20s, Barack met hisolder half-sister, Auma Obama.
The two siblings quickly bonded.
During this 1988 trip, Barack connected with his step-grandmother, Sarah Obama.
Even though Sarah had never met her step-grandson before, she had seen pictures of him throughout his childhood.
Barack called her “Granny,” and she played a crucial role in his life.
Sarah, who was also known as"Mama Sarah," died in 2021at age 99.
Besides inspiring Barack, she was also a role model and staunch advocate for education In her community.
Besides transportation, Barack Obama believes his step-grandmother’s emotional support was key to his dad’s success.
Sarah expanded her efforts beyond her family to help widows and orphans pursue education.
In addition to subsidizing tuition costs, Sarah also provided these students with books and other school supplies.
She also kept in touch with them as they went on to higher education.
“It’s my joy to see them in the universities about to graduate,” she informedNPR.
“It makes me happy.
He worked hard.”
Sarah recalled toVOA Africa.
“Look what education can do for you, look at my grandson …
I’m proud of him.”
On her farm, Sarah championed environmentally sustainable, organic practices.
