Obama Foundation Announces Spaces Named for Leaders Who Inspire Young People to Civic Action

May 28, 2026 at 4:00 PM CDT

CHICAGO — The Obama Foundation today announced a selection of spaces in the Obama Presidential Center that will honor leaders who have inspired young people to make change. These named spaces are made possible through the generosity of individuals and organizations that are supporting the Center’s efforts to inspire, empower, and connect the next generation of changemakers and tell the stories of those who influenced the journey of President and Mrs. Obama.

“President and Mrs. Obama’s story is only possible through the collective action and contributions of people who made their voices heard,” said Valerie Jarrett, CEO of The Obama Foundation. “We are grateful for our supporters who are honoring the lives and legacies of leaders upon whose shoulders we stand. These honorees each inspired the next generation to see what’s possible and become the newest authors in an ongoing story of progress. They’ve unlocked not only their imaginations but also the power and ability to actually make the changes they want in the world.” 

The spaces announced today include:

  • Toward A More Perfect Union Exhibit in the Obama Presidential Center Museum, in honor of Jane Addams: Located on Museum Level 2, this exhibit explores the push and pull of democratic progress, featuring artifacts and stories from historic civil and workers' rights movements that shaped the Obamas’ values and paved the way for the 2008 election. It honors the Nobel Peace Prize-winning social reformer and founder of Chicago’s Hull House who advanced labor rights, protected vulnerable children, and championed immigrant advocacy, guided by her unwavering belief that democracy depends on shared responsibility and inclusion. This space is made possible through the generous support of Joe and Rika Mansueto. 

  • Yes We Can Exhibit in the Obama Presidential Center Museum, in honor of John W. Gardner: Also located on Museum Level 2, this immersive exhibit captures the grassroots energy of the 2008 presidential campaign, featuring a film about the campaign and a display of 440 campaign buttons that honor the volunteers who fueled the movement. It honors the social reformer and former Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare who championed lifelong learning, citizen participation, and the launch of Medicare. This space is made possible through the generous support of Gilbert S. Omenn and Martha A. Darling.

  • Eunice Kennedy Shriver Lobby at Home Court: Serving as the light-filled entrance to the Home Court programs and athletic center, this lobby features a welcome desk, grand terrazzo staircase, and expansive views through glass windows from the Main Court. It honors the founder of the Special Olympics, who created global programs that promoted inclusion, empowerment, and opportunity for individuals historically overlooked by society. This space is made possible through the generous support of founding partner of health and wellness programming, Northwestern Medicine.

  • Paul Farmer Special Exhibitions Gallery in the Obama Presidential Center: Located on the Lower Level of the Museum building, this dedicated space will host future rotating temporary exhibitions that deepen visitor engagement on campus. It honors the global health leader and Partners In Health co-founder who dedicated his life to the belief that healthcare is a human right. Dr. Farmer linked medicine with social justice to build health systems and proved effective care is possible in underserved communities worldwide, providing an example of radical compassion and resilience in solving our toughest challenges. This space is made possible through the generous support of the family of Jessie Reid Taylor. 

These spaces join others already announced. They include:

About The Obama Foundation

The Obama Foundation is a nonpartisan 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to inspire, empower, and connect people to change their world. That mission begins on the South Side of Chicago, where The Foundation is building the Obama Presidential Center. But that approach extends to all our work, whether it’s holding leadership training sessions in communities throughout the U.S., bringing local leaders together in countries around the world, working to support the global education of girls, or ensuring young men of color have pathways to opportunity. From every corner of the globe, our program participants are working together to address some of the biggest challenges of our time—from renewing our democratic institutions, protecting LGBTQ+ rights, fighting climate change, and so much more.

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Contact: Emily Bittner, press@obama.org