Hope and Change - Revisiting Barack Obama's Historic Presidency

Join academics from the University of Birmingham for an interactive "Town Hall" style event discussing the legacy of the historic presidency of Barack Obama, and the importance of his campaign message of hope and change for present-day Birmingham.

Over the course of the evening, audience members will be invited to engage in conversation with leading academics Professor Daniel McNeil, Dr Sharin McDowall-Emefiele, and Dr Rita Gayle, about the legacy of Obama’s presidency for the first quarter of the 21st Century and beyond. Topics covered will range from what Obama’s presidency has meant for race and labour, the range of metaphors and ideas that have been projected onto Obama, and the links between his message of hope and change and the city of Birmingham.

The event will be compèred by Elizabeth Zeddie Lawal, an award-winning creative producer, theatre maker, facilitator, and host, with audience response invited both ahead of and throughout the evening.

Doors open 17:30 (refreshments available to purchase from the bar) - Open to staff students and members of the public.

This event is part of the 2025 Festival of Social Science Programme at the University of Birmingham.