President Obama Named 2017 “Profile in Courage” Honoree  

As we continue to sulk over the ending of a historical presidential era, former president, Barack Obama, is casually enjoying life, all smiles, without a care (or tie) in the world.  

As if his historic run as the first African American Head of State wasn’t enough, Obama’s success and recognition post-presidency is rapidly increasing. Earlier this week it was reported that the former first couple recently secured a $60 million book deal, topping the record amount previously held by Bill Clinton. Now, according to CNN,  Barack Obama has been named the 2017 Profile in Courage Award honoree by the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation, an honor previously awarded to former Presidents Gerald Ford and George H.W. Bush.

The “Profile in Courage” award is presented to government officials in any area, “whose actions demonstrate the qualities of politically courage leadership in the spirit of ‘Profile in Courage,’ President Kennedy’s 1957 Pulitzer Prize-winning book,” the award website states.

The foundation announced the honor on Thursday, saying it will recognize the former president for “expanding health security for millions of Americans, restoring diplomatic relations with Cuba and leading a landmark international accord to combat climate change.”

The award ceremony will take place in May.

“Our country owes a debt of gratitude to President Obama, not just for the many important policy achievements made during his tenure but also for the example of leadership he provided all of us, which we may draw upon in the years to come,” JFK’s grandson said in a statement.