Former President Barack Obama changed the course of American history when he became the nation’s first Black president, breaking a racial barrier that had stood for generations. Now 64, Barack is looking back on that historic chapter alongside former First Lady Michelle Obama in a new interview, where the couple says they hope their years in the White House inspired others to believe in themselves and the possibilities ahead.

Barack Obama Talks About The Symbolism Of His Election To The White House

Speaking with PEOPLE days after his new Obama Presidential Center in Chicago opened, Barack reflected on his election to the White House in 2008. On that day in November, the Harvard graduate defeated Republican John McCain, becoming the first Black man to win the presidency.

“Obviously, there’s a symbolism to the day I got elected. I had always said to Michelle and friends that I hoped if I did get elected, that that would change how kids thought about themselves,” said Barack.

As he continued, the former POTUS said he hoped his election would inspire people from all backgrounds to believe in themselves and what’s possible.

“I hoped suddenly girls started feeling like, ‘Okay, whatever limits people seem to have set, whatever the precedents are, I think I can do something.’ I wanted Asian American kids or Hispanic American kids to feel that same way, that we didn’t have barriers,” he said.

Barack Obama Says He And His Team Accomplished What They Set Out To Do In The White House

Continuing, Barack said he believes he and his team accomplished their goal of spreading hope across the country. On the other hand, the “A Promised Land” author said there is still work to be done.

“It was never realistic to think that because of one election, one president, somehow 400 years of history suddenly goes away,” he said. “But I think there are kids who, growing up under my presidency, said, ‘Yeah, of course you can have a Black president. Why not?’ And I’m confident that when we get a female president, which we will get sometime soon in my lifetime, it’ll become normalized, and that’s what we want.”

Michelle Obama Says Her Husband’s Presidency Was About More Than Just ‘Race’

Adding to the conversation, First Lady Michelle Obama uplifted her husband and said that his presidency was about more than just “race.” It was about character, integrity, and honor.

“The symbolism of his presidency wasn’t just about race — it was also about the way you show up as a leader, a man, a father and a husband,” the mother of two said. “I think that what Barack offered this country was a mature president, a highly intelligent president, a selfless president, and I think that those characteristics are as important as race. I think he made this country proud in a very unique way.”

Barack Opens Up About Life In His 60s

In a separate interview with PEOPLE, Barack got candid about life in his 60s, saying, “I feel good, I mean, I don’t look as good as [Michelle].”

As the conversation went on, Barack, known for his love of basketball, was asked whether his supporters could ever see him play any games on the hardwood at his new presidential center.

“No,” he said sharply. “Now I will take folks on for a game of Horse. We can have some shooting contests. I am not running up and down that court because I want to protect my knees and my Achilles. I don’t want to be in a boot.”

Barack said that while he can still run back and forth, moving side to side is a different story. “I start worrying about something kind of going [wrong],” he joked.

More About Barack’s New Presidential Center In Chicago

Barack’s new presidential center is in Chicago’s beloved Jackson Park neighborhood on the city’s South Side. It features a museum, an athletic facility, a library, and public outdoor spaces, according to CNN.

It officially opened on Juneteenth weekend, 2026, and is designed to “inspire, empower, and connect people to change their world,” per Obama.org. “We seek to build an active democratic culture where people are equipped and motivated to make change in the communities where they live, work, and play.”