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.