Mark Obama Ndesandjo joined NECN to discuss his book, "An Obama's Journey: My Odyssey of Self-Discovery Across Three Cultures."
The author shares a name - and a parent - with the president of the United States.
Ndesandjo met the president in 1988 when they were both in their 20's. He recalled the experience of meeting a brother for the first time, after rejecting the Obama name for much of his life because of domestic violence that occurred between their father and Ndesandjo's mother.
"We have lots of similarities. We're both mix raced, we're both American. We went to good schools, we're trying to make a little bit of change in the world," Ndesandjo said. "Our world views, I think, are similar in the sense that we're trying to, in our little ways, to make a difference and it's been influenced in many ways by our dad."
Ndesandjo continued by explaining that the book is mainly about exploring his cultural roots in China, America, and Kenya.
When asked if he shies away from using the Obama name to promote his book, Ndesandjo said he believes it can be a valuable tool.
"I have been working in social areas for over a decade and I think what I've learned, in China for example, is something that I would've done, in terms of expressing myself, through books," Ndesandjo said. "I am not ashamed to use the Obama name when it comes to doing something that's good. When it comes to spreading messages about domestic violence, about trying to help kids who are disadvantaged, I think it's a wonderful tool that makes people aware."
Politics
In addition, Ndesandjo talked more about his relationship with President Obama.
