Mazama and Asante explore the Obama era the confluence of the political, technological, social, economic, and religious dimensions of Obama s campaign, election, and presidency. Culled from hundreds of articles in journals across the social sciences in political science, sociology, African American studies, and communication--this illuminating collection deals with the complexities of the Obama phenomenon from critical research perspective, marking the era as a transformation brought about by a transitional leader. Part introductions offer needed framing and context to facilitate debate and discussion.