On Senior Citizens Day, Meet Some of Chicago’s Elders Making a Difference
Get to know seven Chicagoans who have spent decades creating sustainable change in their respective communities, and read what advice and wisdom they have for the next wave of leaders who will carry forward their work. Read more +
The Creative Brief with Tye Moores
When we wanted to lift up the stories of Antonio Davis, Asiaha Butler, and Kemdah Stroud—three grassroots leaders working on the South Side of Chicago to make a difference—we turned to Chicago-based artist and photographer Tyesha Moores. Learn how the Austin neighborhood native brought their stories to life. Read the profile +
Young Leaders Continue Peacebuilding 75 Years After the Atomic Bombings
For Sanae Ogino, an Obama Leader and a native of Hiroshima, August 6, 1945 was never a distant historical moments. It was part of the fabric of her family’s story. Sanae’s grandmother narrowly missed being killed by the atomic bomb, but witnessed unimaginable destruction in the aftermath. Learn more about Sanae’s work and read a special message from President Obama on the solemn anniversary +
August 4, 2020
On President Obama’s Birthday, See How He’s Inspiring the Next Generation of Leaders
On President Obama’s 59th birthday, see how he has spent his time following his presidency inspiring the next generation of leaders. From Chicago to Amsterdam, check out some of our favorite Obama Foundation moments. See the photos +
July 20, 2020
Watch the Last Public Conversation President Obama Shared with Rep. John Lewis
In honor of Rep. John Lewis’ passing, we sent the message below to our email list to share more information about the virtual town hall… MoreTen years ago today, President Obama signed the most far-reaching Wall Street reform in history, a major milestone in the wake of the Great Recession to strengthen the American economy and help guard against future financial crises. Learn what caused the 2008 financial crisis and how the Obama administration responded through the voices of those who were a part of it: President Obama, Senator Elizabeth Warren, Timothy Geithner, and more.
Watch Congressman John Lewis Meet with MBK Youth and President Obama in 2018
In 2018, President Obama and Congressman John Lewis participated in a My Brother’s Keeper Alliance roundtable with students from Ron Brown College Preparatory High School in Washington, D.C. to honor the 50th anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr.’s death. Watch as Rep. Lewis discusses his friendship and work with Dr. King, and reflects on his own experiences as a trailblazing activist. Watch the roundtable conversation +
Five years ago, our nation underwent a day of momentous change, grace, and celebration. June 26, 2015, brought the Supreme Court’s landmark ruling in favor of same-sex marriage, President Obama’s eulogy of Reverend Clementa Pinckney, who was killed alongside eight of his parishoners at Mother Emanuel AME, and the lighting of the White House in rainbow colors in recognition of marriage equality. Relive each moment of this historic day through the voices of those who lived through it and gave it meaning: President Obama, Jim Obergefell, Valerie Jarrett, and more.
President Obama joined Former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder, President of Color of Change Rashad Robinson, Minneapolis City Council Representative Phillipe Cunningham, and MBK Columbus Youth Leader Playon Patrick, in a conversation moderated by Campaign Zero co-founder Brittany Packnett Cunningham. Together, they discussed the tragic events of recent weeks, the history of police violence in America, and specific actions needed to transform a system that has led to the loss of too many lives.
Celebrate the Class of 2020!
No one does big things by themselves. That’s why we called on our audience to share some words of encouragement for the Class of 2020. Check out some of these uplifting messages—and show us how you’re celebrating this year’s graduating class. See more +
So much of the progress that we've made in our society has been because of young people.
President Obama, 2020
May 30, 2020
Read President Obama’s Message: This Shouldn’t Be Normal
Today, we sent the message below to our email subscribers about President Obama’s response to the tragic killing of George Floyd. If you’d like to… MoreWatch President Obama discuss the importance of MBK Alliance's work across the United States.
April 20, 2020
How We’re Responding in This Time of Need
Yesterday, Obama Foundation Chief Executive Officer David Simas sent the message below to our email subscribers about our response to the COVID-19 pandemic. If you’d… MoreIn honor of Black History Month, we're reflecting on Frederick Douglass' visit to Jackson Park during the World’s Columbian Exposition in 1893. Jackson Park is preparing to repeat its historical role as a place of honor for America’s black icons as the site of the future Obama Presidential Center. During Black History Month and every month, we are constantly reminded that we stand on the shoulders of those who came before us.
Asked and Answered: Five-year-old tells President Obama she can’t wait to visit the Obama Presidential Center
In keeping with President Obama’s longstanding tradition of reading and responding to letters from the American people, we’re excited to share an adorable letter he received from five-year-old Pennsylvanian Cori Ryan. See for yourself +