Denver photographer Pat Duncan has put together a 184-page collection of never-before-seen photographs as well as speeches by our commander in chief on his journey to the White House. A Defining Moment: The Historic Journey to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue captures the innocence and essence of the grassroots campaign of then-Sen. Barack Obama’s historic journey starting before his candidacy was announced through the Democratic National Convention in Denver, to the whistle stop train ride to the inauguration.
This lovely addition to any coffee table also has some of the president’s most important speeches in a book all African Americans should own. There is even an interview with President Obama’s national campaign co-chairperson, Federico Pena. This book brings to life an incredible journey of the first African American president in American history — Barack Obama. Rolling out had the opportunity recently to sit down with the author-photojournalist Duncan and discuss her own amazing journey that led to this impressive work. –christa e. jackson
What inspired you to put this book together?
My sister was the first African American secretary of state in Colorado, and she faced many obstacles. So, there was a correlation to Barack Obama and her for me. More importantly, when I saw people’s reaction to him — the excitement, the tears, the admiration — I thought about all the photos I had of him from the Democratic National Convention. I thought, “Why not do a book?”
What makes this book relevant?
It is relevant right now because you can go back and read President Obama’s speeches, and you can reflect on everything he said during the campaign to see if he has done what he said he would do, and he has. He has actually accomplished 101 items that he stated he would tackle during his campaign, including killing Osama bin Laden. This book is perfect for right now because it sets up his platform for 2012.
What message do you want people to get from the book?
I want people to be able to be a part of Barack Obama’s presidential journey when they look at this book. It’s a journey that all presidents must go through, not that he is just an African American president but that this is the journey of anyone who seeks to be president of the United States of America.
To purchase this book, visit here or call 800-247-6553.
