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Today in History: Barack Obama inaugurated as first Black president

1/20/2025

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Summary

Story summary

On January 20, 2009, Barack Obama was inaugurated as the 44th president of the United States, making history as the first African American to hold the office. The ceremony took place at the U.S. Capitol and attracted record attendance, becoming the most viewed inauguration since Ronald Reagan's in 1981. Joe Biden was inaugurated as vice president.

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Story summary

On January 20, 2009, Barack Obama was inaugurated as the 44th president of the United States, making history as the first African American to hold the office. The ceremony took place at the U.S. Capitol and attracted record attendance, becoming the most viewed inauguration since Ronald Reagan's in 1981. Joe Biden was inaugurated as vice president.