We expect this to be the kind of museum that makes Chicago and the South Side proud.
– President Obama, 2018
Sarah Ward started SkyART—a non-profit that offers free visual arts programming for young people on the South Side of Chicago—to help children get in touch with their creativity and to encourage them to dream bigger, explore new paths, and be themselves.
September 17, 2018
Go back in time to the 2008 Election
As part of our oral history project, President Obama shared his memories from that historic night with us. Relive the 2008 Election through the eyes and words of those who lived it, then share your own memories right here.
See highlights from the Obama Foundation Scholars orientation in Chicago last month, and hear what President Obama has to say about the Scholars and the journey they’re embarking on at the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy and Columbia University.
September 12, 2018
A South Side Education
Thirty seven people from around the world were selected by the Obama Foundation to study in the US. Their first lesson begins on the South Side of Chicago. In this first of a two-part series, we follow the Obama Scholars as they learn about the history of the South Side. Read more +
Sometimes you need more than a cup of coffee to start your day. Take a look inside @sipofhopecoffee, a Chicago coffee shop that pairs a strong brew with a gentle affirmation: it’s okay to not be okay. One hundred percent of their proceeds support proactive suicide prevention and mental health education.
September 7, 2018
Face to Face with the Fellows: Melissa Malzkuhn
Melissa Malzkuhn grew up in a third-generation-signing deaf family. However, not all deaf children have early sign language acquisition and an immersive literacy experience. Through her digital media space, Motion Light Lab, she’s reinventing the storybook and building immersive apps for deaf children to change that. Read her full story +
September 4, 2018
Face to Face with the Fellows: Keith Wattley
Obama Fellow, Keith Wattley, started Uncommon Law to provide people convicted of serious crimes the counseling and support they need to get back on track after release. Read his full story +
Using his artwork as a celebration of the human spirit and as an example of the positivity that can arise from adversity, Antonio Davis inspires children in his community to contribute in unique, meaningful ways.
August 8, 2018
Announcing the Community Leadership Training Day
The Community Leadership Training Day is a one and a half day, introductory training that is designed for young people — ages 18 to 25 — who want to get involved in their community, but, don’t know where to start. The Training Days will be hosted in Oakland, CA; Dallas, TX; and Oklahoma City, OK. Learn more here.
We're launching a story collection archive to preserve your memories from 2008. Learn how to submit your story right here.
July 14, 2018
Leaders: Africa program kicks off in South Africa
200 young leaders from across Africa came together to exchange ideas and inspire each other. Explore highlights from the Obama Foundation Leaders: Africa convening in Johannesburg earlier this month.
June 19, 2018
On the ground at the Chicago Community Conversation
We hosted our first-ever Chicago Community Conversation to bring together people doing incredible work for communities throughout the City. See more from the day here.