Community engagement stories
![Dr. Edwin Quezada, a man with a medium skin tone points as he speaks to an audience. He is wearing glasses and a powder blue suit.](http://images.ctfassets.net/l7h59hfnlxjx/3f9c0j4HI2fbrAjn2jn613/25153ad04a41b94e1d4d3840a0e2a267/52888169973_dd42eb051b_o.jpg?q=75&w=1014&fm=webp)
- MBK Alliance
- Youth
Hear directly from one of the My Brother’s Keeper Model Communities on how they achieved a 91 percent graduation rate for students of color.
Learn more![placeholder](http://images.ctfassets.net/l7h59hfnlxjx/4baDPkGcvsG34K1kmQZHHi/74657028bbb3c85863d26a5b06a06b99/Ladies_of_Virtue.jpeg?q=75&w=1014&fm=webp)
- Girls Opportunity Alliance
- Education
Discover how Ladies of Virtue is transforming lives through mentorship and leadership
Learn more![A group of high school students with a range of light to deep skin tones pose around Gallerist Easy Otabo and artist Michael C. Thorpe. In the background, a monitor displays the Obama Foundation rising sun logo and reads, “Obama Foundation.”](http://images.ctfassets.net/l7h59hfnlxjx/bCRuxCkCfkkORqbJPllr5/e4340114ca90b5d97881df8bd08060c6/dyett.png?q=75&w=1014&fm=)
- Youth
- The Arts
See how the students explored expression and possibilities at EXPO Chicago.
Learn more![A rendering of the outside front of Home Court from Stony Island Avenue. It is daylight in the picture. Home Court at the Obama Presidential Center is a large silver and glass building, with large rectangular windows covering the majority of the front of the building and two large inverted silver triangles of metal cladding interrupting the glass on the side. In front of the building are green shrubs and trees planted along a pedestrian walkway. To the left of the building is a large patch of grass surrounded by a pedestrian walkway. To the right of the building are tall green trees. On the pedestrian pathways are several people walking, standing, and sitting. There is a bicycle rack on the pedestrian walkway.](http://images.ctfassets.net/l7h59hfnlxjx/1sMbpxfeeZ6vHyM2pCzw9P/a201277ba5693bcd2cc92f43db958e7b/-CLEARED_FOR_PUBLIC_USE_POST-PRESS_RELEASE-_2024.3.17_OPC_Front_-_Home_Court_Sign_from_Sidewalk.jpg?q=75&w=1014&fm=webp)
- First Look
- Building the Center
See the plans for the 45,000-square-foot multipurpose athletic and events facility coming to the Obama Presidential Center.
Learn more![Brandon Breaux, a Black man with a deep skin tone, stands over five seated students. On the table is an iPad and illustrations. He is wearing a mint beanie. Space art is on the wall in the background.](http://images.ctfassets.net/l7h59hfnlxjx/3u1prsyGprdtssBTF3AUur/14f8119d02ca4c97ef3ee56e7542dac8/OF012323TG_326.jpg?q=75&w=1014&fm=webp)
- First Look
- The Arts
Artist Brandon Breaux and Dyett High School students showcase the power of culture and community.
Learn more![A woman with a deep skin tone wears black framed glasses with silver droplet earrings and bracelet as she serves food with clear gloves on. She is wearing a purple shirt. The receiver is a young girl with a deep skin tone and medium length straight black hair. She is holding up a plate and is wearing a baby blue mask and gray shirt. Along the table are three trays filled with food and vegetables.](http://images.ctfassets.net/l7h59hfnlxjx/3hzd95mxAD9BHABSwVFB9/36cc095cc16d532accced7b2225efa79/52200457412_af78aec703_o.jpg?q=75&w=1014&fm=webp)
- Youth
- Chicago
We partner with Local Lunchbox to provide thousands of meals to our young people over the summer months.
Learn more![On a sunny day, a group of volunteers smile in front of a blue Obama Foundation banner. They huddle together and pose as someone takes a photo on their cell phone.](http://images.ctfassets.net/l7h59hfnlxjx/4BUtWnTmMqXOQjfYzqNW6R/d9ce6be1f6a92c07aaceff72100bf139/OF042223TG_375-scaled.jpg?q=75&w=1014&fm=webp)
- Event
- Sustainability
Hundreds clean South Side parks and beaches
Learn more![A Black boy with a deep skin tone wears a sweatshirt and holds onto the rim of a basketball net, looking upward. The sky behind is a deep blue.](http://images.ctfassets.net/l7h59hfnlxjx/7htb0wr0FnXOM2swmjA2YI/28f254dbe6b78260673414e86bd0b571/freedom-summer-2023-card.png?q=75&w=1014&fm=)
- MBK Alliance
- Youth
Check out the Freedom Summer 2023 grant recipients!
Learn more![Crystal Moten, PhD, a Black woman with brown locs and a medium deep skin tone, smiles at the camera. She is wearing an orange blouse, blue beaded necklace, and red lipstick. In the background is a plant and gray curtain](http://images.ctfassets.net/l7h59hfnlxjx/4BvTDonRQ5h2H58SEbfQp2/c974dc6282109ccd1f060b9abea2fd58/crystalmoten-headshots-06096-scaled.jpg?q=75&w=1014&fm=webp)
- Building the Center
- Chicago
Meet the women behind the Obama Presidential Center
Learn more![The Obama Foundation Logo](http://images.ctfassets.net/l7h59hfnlxjx/7r0DGakBg9qcjawk8j57zx/a50161aa96baf8c6d9f2c9bf042d71ec/BOF_RisingSun.png?q=75&w=1014&fm=)
![The Obama Foundation Logo](http://images.ctfassets.net/l7h59hfnlxjx/7r0DGakBg9qcjawk8j57zx/a50161aa96baf8c6d9f2c9bf042d71ec/BOF_RisingSun.png?q=75&w=1014&fm=)
- Your Voice
- Presidential History
Preparing for Your Interview
Learn more![A group of young men are standing on the exterior of a boat on Lake Michigan overlooking the Chicago skyline. The photo is daytime. The young men are leaning on the railing of the boat's exterior looking at the water.](http://images.ctfassets.net/l7h59hfnlxjx/QVNAvFdulsHdzJtLhtLlA/ca2c2a9df413a00e1ae43e6a26c07eb8/Aspect_Ratio.png?q=75&w=1014&fm=)
![missing](http://images.ctfassets.net/l7h59hfnlxjx/1Kz9YJaM8EPxhNIBSCZD3q/a3b86abea4cd61d3fb95c52902b777fa/EOY-Giving-homepage-P44-OPC.jpg?q=75&w=1014&fm=webp)
- Building the Center
- Chicago
The organization is on track to meet its ambitious workforce and business diversity goals for construction.
Learn more![New Life](http://images.ctfassets.net/l7h59hfnlxjx/78Z72MYOiNhsgWUC5WKOkI/c61d38701f20290137aa92b3ec2edf39/OF060922TEG_373-scaled.jpg?q=75&w=1014&fm=webp)
- MBK Alliance
- Youth
Since 2005, New Life Centers of Chicagoland has addressed the needs of the neighbors surrounding New Life Community Church locations and beyond.
Learn more![The Obama Foundation Logo](http://images.ctfassets.net/l7h59hfnlxjx/7r0DGakBg9qcjawk8j57zx/a50161aa96baf8c6d9f2c9bf042d71ec/BOF_RisingSun.png?q=75&w=1014&fm=)
- Chicago
- Youth
Chicago lost another innocent life this weekend and this one came close to home.
Learn more![An animation shows people ranging of all ages and skin tones, enjoying the Obama Presidential Center](http://images.ctfassets.net/l7h59hfnlxjx/2DVRyOezpiDgbO0shohVl5/3582dfef38a7ae7f27b916e912bb758b/P3731-Video-7_Still-01.jpg?q=75&w=1014&fm=webp)
- Michelle Obama
- Building the Center
From our earliest days of planning, we always knew we wanted to have a Fruit & Vegetable Garden at the future Obama Presidential Center
Learn more![José Rico, former Executive Director of the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanic Americans, speaks at the White House Hispanic Action Summit in Durham, NC.](http://images.ctfassets.net/l7h59hfnlxjx/2hXpN8ocYJa1gGtxUbOGh7/817f6d9d20f01182ed0c3396cdd6ed22/unnamed.jpeg?q=75&w=1014&fm=webp)
- Alumni
- Education
Meet an Obama Alum who is helping young Chicagoans reach their dreams
Learn more![President and Mrs. Obama drop off holiday gifts to patients in the lobby of the University of Chicago Comer Children’s Hospital in Chicago, IL on December 3, 2021.](http://images.ctfassets.net/l7h59hfnlxjx/7lfpeinWrP9rLjmOi765mv/515dc86c423f3e927a6e015eb3719fa3/TEG8411-scaled.jpg?q=75&w=1014&fm=webp)
- Chicago
- Michelle Obama
President and Mrs. Obama were back in Chicago to show some holiday gratitude to the people and programs taking on some of the biggest issues in the community we call home.
Learn more![Yuma Ventures](http://images.ctfassets.net/l7h59hfnlxjx/4gZ6hQ3M9URKvAV69OkKeB/7175e561092ebc0cf4d51cf886778ca7/yumaventures.png?q=75&w=1014&fm=)
- MBK Alliance
- Youth
![Timuel Black smiles to camera.](http://images.ctfassets.net/l7h59hfnlxjx/ZAZlW9Nc1F71PZMy363kP/5ac2248b9442dbf89381e92f1762a343/Timuel-1024x649.jpg?q=75&w=1014&fm=webp)
- Chicago
- Changemakers
Read Michael Strautmanis' reflection on his friend and mentor, Dr. Timuel Black, who passed away on Wednesday, October 13.
Learn more![Activists In Chicago Protest Police Brutality In Death Of George Floyd](http://images.ctfassets.net/l7h59hfnlxjx/2Ag85jyv1JhIAPSsk8wiPV/9780aadb31b5dd31c951dd23e51f1a77/060120_Protests_Chicago_IL_CD_1069-1024x683.jpg?q=75&w=1014&fm=webp)
- Equality
- Stories
Read the Obama Foundation's statement on anti-racism and equity.
Learn more![President Obama is seen amongst the backs of football helmet-wearing young people](http://images.ctfassets.net/l7h59hfnlxjx/6JQ1EMh4S09Ff9Xau9HGqc/46155cd1036f380caadb4b902cd71eae/51218402692_91b91c0546_k-1024x681.jpg?q=75&w=1014&fm=webp)
- Barack Obama
- Chicago
President Obama recently spent a day on the South Side of Chicago with some of the Obama Presidential Center's future neighbors.
Learn more![President Obama speaks to a youth football team. The players have taken a knee as President Obama gestures towards them.](http://images.ctfassets.net/l7h59hfnlxjx/is8kYyCFNtTVL4YSlTXEP/f6fd5cc70299b23a4238e41611d60d8b/OF060121CD_19671-2.jpg?q=75&w=1014&fm=webp)
- Stories
- Barack Obama
What makes Chicago one of the best cities in the world? To some, it's the delectable food. For others, it’s the breathtaking skyline and lakefront. Depending on who you root for, it’s the sports. But here at the Obama Foundation, we believe it’s the people
Learn more![President Obama hands holding a shovel, moving dirt.](http://images.ctfassets.net/l7h59hfnlxjx/2fUGk1SGmwhtCgpu06R1bh/e37c177d4d4942d8a59a90f15b5e3bc9/OF092821CD_018.jpg?q=75&w=1014&fm=webp)
- Stories
- Building the Center
The City of Chicago's prep work in Jackson Park officially kicks off our Road to Groundbreaking—a celebration of Chicago and everyone who is helping us make this dream a reality. Join us.
Learn more![President Obama gives remarks at the My Brother's Keeper launch](http://images.ctfassets.net/l7h59hfnlxjx/5veGBaiD4T19tKARwrqf5P/d0315a7cfba1d65895bd7640c76de8f1/14081555022_947da0a907_o.jpg?q=75&w=1014&fm=webp)
- MBK Alliance
- Youth
It’s been seven years since President Obama called on the nation to address the persistent opportunity gaps boys and young men of color face and to ensure all young people can reach their full potential.
Learn more![Omaha 360 members meet in 2018.](http://images.ctfassets.net/l7h59hfnlxjx/2rBwR93doA7QmRtuRFF78e/c7dc4c785df934687dd50121368b43de/Omaha-360-Photo-with-Ricky-e1601921987449.jpg?q=75&w=1014&fm=webp)
- MBK Alliance
- Changemakers
To some, gun violence and broken trust between police and community members seem like problems that are simply too big to fix, but not to Willie Barney.
Learn more![Berto Aguayo](http://images.ctfassets.net/l7h59hfnlxjx/74LyScJu8UL8DCYopcpd5s/bf8b83defd7a26e44a4abc1fc4145705/Berto-Aguayo-scaled-e1601955437485.png?q=75&w=1014&fm=)
- Watch
- Chicago
Berto Aguayo grew up in Back of the Yards, a neighborhood on the South Side of Chicago
Learn more![Billy Moore](http://images.ctfassets.net/l7h59hfnlxjx/6AnZeJPdOoUMb02eqjiMtj/0a67e431d334957a1a241b5e7b5b4741/Billy-Moore.jpg?q=75&w=1014&fm=webp)
- Chicago
- Watch
When he was just 16, Billy Moore made a tragic mistake, taking the life of another young Chicagoan
Learn more![A man with a deep skin tone smiles as he stands over a red sign with yellow lettering that says, "UNITY" and "COMMUNITY" outside of an apartment building. He is wearing a white shirt that reads, "Mr. Dad's Father's Club."](http://images.ctfassets.net/l7h59hfnlxjx/1E8t4uz9Y41Gy862NfAZEi/f4f265447594c7d149612c36d1a8b2c3/IMG_9298-1.jpg?q=75&w=1014&fm=webp)
- Watch
- Chicago
In the Englewood neighborhood, Joseph Williams is also known as “The Black Mr. Rogers.”
Learn more![Two men in winter clothes greet each other on a residential Chicago street.](http://images.ctfassets.net/l7h59hfnlxjx/EoQAxN4wRk8bbuI5bWp31/54f32c7f0a7fb5d5d4c4f4440d4dd74d/Terrance-1-64395A6D-2D08-47C0-9328-426C938E1601.jpg?q=75&w=1014&fm=webp)
![Arne Duncan, former Secretary of Education, holding a microphone addresses a crowd of young men of color.](http://images.ctfassets.net/l7h59hfnlxjx/6jny7WJW6eisN5Mj3WLx7i/8cb6f01e7f6e4e83215510a4391c2867/ARNE-Q_A-2-8AA3F5FB-66CF-4537-8A61-DC60956AD2983-scaled-e1601954839647.jpg?q=75&w=1014&fm=webp)
- Chicago
- Changemakers
When Arne Duncan left his job as CEO of Chicago Public Schools in 2009 to serve as Secretary of Education, he thought gun violence in the City had reached its peak. He was wrong.
Learn more![Pastor Tracey Lee](http://images.ctfassets.net/l7h59hfnlxjx/6WRd7M7oZPGI9fpL3T8Xvt/4158475d793f1040c49205e3e2b7d800/Pastor-Tracey-Lee-scaled-e1601954427325.jpg?q=75&w=1014&fm=webp)
- Chicago
- Changemakers
During an especially grueling summer, we spent a month capturing a glimpse of Tracey Lee’s day-to-day life as a violence interrupter, a pastor, and a supermom
Learn more![Tye Moores laughs and smiles.](http://images.ctfassets.net/l7h59hfnlxjx/42nxZ6d1AiBMuW4tDRH2S1/651462ab6b504021d3ae25f56f151d4c/20117018_1810989582250560_6997638945379278920_o-e1597261242611.jpg?q=75&w=1014&fm=webp)
- Chicago
- The Arts
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 more- The Arts
- Chicago
Activist and violence interrupter William Calloway grew up in South Shore, the same Chicago neighborhood where Michelle Obama was born and raised, and the future home of the Obama Presidential Center. See how Will is protecting his community while challeng
Learn more![A volunteer wearing a mask hands supplies to an elderly woman.](http://images.ctfassets.net/l7h59hfnlxjx/3wDzNNtdXvCg4RDwtNxbB9/905faac583c676d0ed2d9901100e596c/Stories-of-Hope-WeGotUs-1120x760.png?q=75&w=1014&fm=)
- Newsletter
- Barack Obama
Today, we sent the message below to our email subscribers about President Obama’s response to the tragic killing of George Floyd.
Learn more![A woman with a medium skin tone and black braids stands smiling in front of a sign that reads: “ Community Leadership: Courage Can Be Courageous And Hope Can Take Own A Life Of Its Own”](http://images.ctfassets.net/l7h59hfnlxjx/2kHecTrJwfLZCZtrvDZzB1/49c23339565c0abba25c41ca7835bb8c/OF-110919-MJ_034-scaled.jpg?q=75&w=1014&fm=webp)
- Take Action
- Health & Wellbeing
The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a grave toll on us all. Take care of yourself; take care of your loved ones. And if you can, step up and lead so your communities come out of this stronger.
Learn more![An illustration of four people with a range of light to deep skin tones lifting one another up on top of a paper plane. The background is pink.](http://images.ctfassets.net/l7h59hfnlxjx/3mmwnkKbN2XIHW0mNldBIy/f5190279291cc4bd449005400211ea2c/OF_NEWSLETTER_Gritti_01.jpg?q=75&w=1014&fm=webp)
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