Before the music starts and the Silver Room Block Party gets going at Chicago’s Salt Shed, there's a moment of pause to reflect and connect the day before—that's the idea behind the Silver Room Symposium at the Obama Presidential Center on July 17.
The symposium brings together artists, historians, and cultural leaders for an afternoon of conversation exploring history, archives, and what it means to be an American, especially in relation to the opening of the Obama Presidential Center and the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
"How can we, for some, reclaim being an American in a way that recognizes the past but also understands that there's a lot that we as people have contributed to this country," said Silver Room founder Eric Williams. He started the business as a small North Side storefront built from his years as a street vendor and his deep love of house music and art.
At the symposium, attendees can expect two panel discussions, a special musical performance, and plenty of the storytelling Silver Room is known for from 2 to 5:15 p.m. in the Forum building at the Obama Presidential Center.
Williams describes the experience as "a microcosm of a day at Silver Room," blending music, art and real conversation—a combination that's defined the space since 1997.
He says he hopes people leave with an extra pep in their step.
"To have a sense of pride in our contributions and to lead and just feel good," Williams said. He added that the good energy carries straight into day two for the long-awaited return of the Silver Room Block Party, which has been on hiatus since 2023.
Nearly 30 years later, it's a destination for community building.
"It's really about the community aspect... the opportunity to just be present with each other and experience joy," said Vanessa Hobson, who leads partnerships for the Silver Room.
Tickets for the symposium at the Obama Presidential Center are on sale now at Obama.org/events (Opens in a new tab).
