Chicago stories
See what we're up to in the community.
Obama Foundation’s Girls Opportunity Alliance announces $500,000 Commitment to Empower Girls in Chicago
Find out how 14 organizations will expand their programing and impact.
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- Stories
- Building the Center
Ten more artists have been commissioned to have their work appear at the Obama Presidential Center.
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- The Center
- Stories
On this Labor Day, get a glimpse of some of the meaningful buttons labor unions made to support President Obama’s campaigns.
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- The Center
- Community Engagement
Community members are welcome to join us for free monthly public tours to see the campus come together
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- Programs
- Community Engagement
The Obama Foundation Futures Series exposes high school students to career pathways through intimate conversations with accomplished leaders.
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- Stories
- The Arts
President Obama and the inaugural class of MBK Ambassadors join together for their first formal convening.
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- The Arts
- Community Engagement
President Obama joined MBK youth from Newark and Chicago to discuss their transformative journey to Brazil, hearing how they grew as leaders finding their place in the world
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- The Center
- Building the Center
This summer, join us at your local coffee shop, library, festival, or small business to learn more about the Obama Presidential Center.
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- Community Engagement
- Scholars
Jibreel Jalloh, a passionate civic leader and community organizer from Canarsie, Brooklyn, shares his challenges of addressing gun violence and environmental issues.
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- Equality
- Leaders
Obama Leaders are championing LGBTQIA+ rights, not just in celebration, but in action.
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- Community Engagement
- MBK Alliance
From Chicago to Nairobi, fathers and mentors share how parenting deepened their leadership and strengthened their communities.
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- Education
- Leaders
Kamala Avila-Salmon shares how inclusive storytelling drives cultural change, uplifts diverse voices, and fosters deeper human connection.
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- MBK Alliance
- Community Engagement
- MBK Alliance
- Youth
See how eight young men from Chicago and Newark gain leadership skills and cultural insight during MBKA's exchange program in Brazil.
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- MBK Alliance
- Youth
Meet the MBK Alliance youth attending the NCAA Final Four in San Antonio, Texas.
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- Defending Democracy
- USA
Each year, The Obama Foundation’s Democracy Forum brings together leaders, activists, and changemakers to tackle some of the most pressing challenges facing democracy today.
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- Girls Opportunity Alliance
- Community Engagement
Discover how dance empowers girls on stage, in leadership, and in life.
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- Girls Opportunity Alliance
- Community Engagement
Discover how Jumping Juniors empowers girls through Double Dutch jump rope with support from the Girls Opportunity Alliance.
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- Building the Center
- Construction blog
Get a peek at the basketball hoop-shaped exterior wedge walls.
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- Building the Center
- Construction blog
The Home Court at the Obama Presidential Center was topped out —which means the steel skeleton of the building is complete!
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- Building the Center
- Construction blog
The Home Court at the Obama Presidential Center was topped out —which means the steel skeleton of the building is complete!
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- Building the Center
- Construction blog
Get a peek at the steel framing for the athletics facility, museum building stone installation and an update on the latest artwork.
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- Community Engagement
- Education
Julia Perkins founded Studio Yogi to make wellness accessible for all. Here’s how!
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- Stories
- Equality
See how Project Exploration creates dynamic STEM learning opportunities for girls on the West Side of Chicago.
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- Building the Center
- Education
As the Obama Presidential Center prepares to open its doors in 2026, our brand identity enters a new chapter.
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- Equality
- Community Engagement
See how the Girls Opportunity Alliance brings together leaders from across Chicago for connection and capacity building.
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- Girls Opportunity Alliance
- Watch
See how Praize Productions, Inc. nurtures girls’ talent, self-expression, and life skills through performing arts.
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- Stories
- Building the Center
- Defending Democracy
- Virtual Event
A 5-step guide to embracing pluralism, fostering connection, and engaging inclusively this holiday season.
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- Girls Opportunity Alliance
- Youth
Learn how the Alliance is joining forces with 26 organizations serving adolescent girls in Chicago and around the world
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- Building the Center
- Construction blog
Concrete construction across the site is complete. The Sky Room and Oval Office are taking shape.
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- Building the Center
- Community Engagement
Get to know the inspiring community members behind the Obama Presidential Center
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- First Look
- The Arts
Discover over 20 art installations that will stimulate creativity and inspire people to bring change home.
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- First Look
- Building the Center
This unique partnership is the first of its kind and will feature digital media spaces and educational resources for kids and adults.
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- The Arts
The Obama Foundation Futures Series exposes high school students to career pathways through intimate conversations with accomplished leaders.
Learn more - Programs
- The Arts
The Obama Foundation Futures Series exposes high school students to career pathways through intimate conversations with accomplished leaders.
Learn more 
- Watch
- Girls Opportunity Alliance
Watch how the Girls Opportunity Alliance supports girls through mentorship programs in Chicago.
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