Ann Dunham

Stanley Ann Dunham (November 29, 1942 – November 7, 1995) was an anthropologist who specialized in economic anthropology. She is the mother of Barack Obama, the 44th president of the United States. In 1960 her family moved to Hawaii, where she attended college, and met Barack Obama, Sr., who was the universities first student of African decent. While Ann was 23 Obama, Sr. left her, while she was still pregnant with their son. She continued her education, and conducted much research would would carry young Obama, Jr. to many areas of the globe. She died of cancer in 1995.

In an interview, Barack Obama referred to his mother as "the dominant figure in my formative years ... The values she taught me continue to be my touchstone when it comes to how I go about the world of politics."