The Obamas in the White House: Reflections on Family, Faith and Leadership;

The Obamas are a quintessential American success story. Barack Hussein Obama and his wife Michelle LaVaughn Robinson Obama defied great odds to become the nation's first African-American president and First Lady. From the moment they settled into the White House on January 20, 2009, with their daughters Malia and Sasha, the first couple has moved the nation and world with their commitment to excellence and to each other.

ESSENCE has provided readers with detailed coverage of their first extraordinary year in the White House. The President, the First Lady and members of the Obama administration met our nation's political, economic and social challenges with admirable grace that continues to inspire many Americans.

Now, in The Obamas in the White House: Reflections on Family, Faith & Leadership, ESSENCE editors combine rare images with pivotal speeches in a lavish time capsule of a defining moment in the American narrative.