Final answer:
Barack Obama became the nation's first black president in 2008 after a fast-rising political career that resonated with a wide spectrum of Americans and leveraged technological connectivity with youth voters.
Step-by-step explanation:
In 2008, Barack Obama made history by becoming the nation's first black president. This milestone was achieved after a remarkable and unique journey that began with his upbringing by a single mother and his maternal grandparents, and included an impressive educational path through Occidental College, Columbia University, and Harvard Law School, where he became the first African American president of the Harvard Law Review.
Obama's political career quickly ascended from his role as a community organizer in Chicago to his dynamic appearance at the 2004 Democratic National Convention, leading to his victory in the 2008 presidential election against Arizona Senator John McCain, as documented in Figure 13.4.17 of some educational materials.
It is significant to note that, unlike Mitt Romney who was the first member of the Mormon Church to run for president, Barack Obama's victory marked the first time an African American was elected to the highest office in the country.