Anthony Peterson Interview: High School Memories with Barack Obama

Anthony Peterson recalls his time as Barack Obama’s childhood friend, meeting in high school when Peterson was a senior and Obama was a freshman at Punahou School in Hawaii.

Anthony Peterson grew up in Hawaii and was a childhood friend of Barack Obama. They both attended Punahou School, and while Peterson was three years Obama’s senior, the two bonded over being among a small number of Black students at the school. Peterson and Obama would gather weekly for what they jokingly called “Ethnic Corner,” where they discussed everything from their classes to philosophy to race. With degrees in psychology and religious education, Peterson has developed and facilitated diversity training for both corporate and church leaders. He continues to work as an educator, diversity consultant, writer, and editor in Nashville, Tennessee.

From the 2021 three-part HBO documentary series Obama: In Pursuit Of A More Perfect Union. The personal and political journey of President Barack Obama is explored that weaves together conversations with colleagues, friends, and critics, alongside his own speeches and interviews.

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Anthony Peterson, Classmate of Barack Obama
Interviewed By: Peter Kunhardt
Interview Date: February 19, 2019

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