"We Were Eight Years in Power" is a collection of essays by author and journalist Ta-Nehisi Coates. The book reflects on the presidency of Barack Obama and the complexities of race in America during that time. Coates examines the progress and setbacks faced by the African American community, providing a critical analysis of the political landscape. The essays are organized chronologically, each corresponding to a year of Obama's presidency. Coates discusses themes such as systemic racism, identity, and the implications of political power, offering insights into the challenges that persist in contemporary society.