Skip to content

Getting involved and staying engaged

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."

In the Englewood neighborhood, Joseph Williams is also known as “The Black Mr. Rogers.” His community activism is rooted in helping fathers connect with their kids through literacy, and maintain an active role in their lives. Recently, when a tense situation arose between community members and the police, Joseph stepped in to mediate—using the deep understanding of his community to advocate for a peaceful resolution. 

The most important part of this type of mediation? Empathy. In his conversation with our Chief Engagement Officer, Joseph explains how empathy guided him to protect his community and communicate with the police. Hear his story.

The Obama Foundation in conversation with Chicago community activist Joseph Williams

Pastor-Tracey-Lee-scaled-e1601954427325

Inside the Life of A Violence Interrupter

Learn more
Billy Moore

An Old Wound, A New Chapter

Learn more
Omaha 360 Photo with Ricky

Curbing Gun Violence in Omaha

Learn more
ARNE Q_A 2 - 8AA3F5FB-66CF-4537-8A61-DC60956AD298[3]

A Secondary Education

Learn more
Terrance 1 64395A6D-2D08-47C0-9328-426C938E1601

“This is How We Fight Back”

Learn more
IMG 9298

Getting Involved and Staying Engaged

Learn more
Will Calloway

Showing Us What Matters

Learn more
Berto Aguayo

Increasing the Peace in Chicago

Learn more

Sign up for the latest on the Obama Foundation

Get the latest news and updates by signing up for Obama Foundation emails. (All fields required.)