Barack Obama's Hawaii Roots: How Hawaii Helped Shape His Values

Ever since Senator Barack Obama announced he was running for president he's talked a lot about his community organizing activities in Chicago, and how it led to his bid for public office. But long before that, he was living on a tiny island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. And those who knew Obama back then, say the lessons he learned in Hawaii have served him well in his campaign. This piece takes a look at Obama's Hawaii roots and how growing up in the Islands helped shape his character and values. Interviews include: Maya Soetoro-Ng: Obama's sister. Hawaii classmates, including a basketball teammate. Alice Dewey: Famlily friend and academic advisor for Obama's mother, who received doctorate in anthropology at the University of Hawaii. Originally broadcast internationally on Voice of America on August 12, 2008. Re-mixed for PRX.

Ever since Senator Barack Obama announced he was running for president he's talked a lot about his community organizing activities in Chicago, and how it led to his bid for public office. But long before that, he was living on a tiny island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. And those who knew Obama back then, say the lessons he learned in Hawaii have served him well in his campaign. This piece takes a look at Obama's Hawaii roots and how growing up in the Islands helped shape his character and values. Interviews include: Maya Soetoro-Ng: Obama's sister. Hawaii classmates, including a basketball teammate. Alice Dewey: Famlily friend and academic advisor for Obama's mother, who received doctorate in anthropology at the University of Hawaii. Originally broadcast internationally on Voice of America on August 12, 2008. Re-mixed for PRX.