Oprah Winfrey

Obama Presidential Center Honoree

Headshot of Oprah Winfrey

Space Name: Oprah Winfrey Courtyard | Museum | Lower Level

A media leader, philanthropist, and cultural voice whose work has shaped public conversation in America and the world, Oprah Winfrey rose from poverty to build one of the most influential platforms in history. She is known for elevating stories of resilience, empathy, and social responsibility. Winfrey’s advocacy for education, civic engagement, and personal growth has inspired millions to see their lives as connected to the greater good.

With gratitude to Daniel E. Levin

“ Daniel Levin’s admiration of Oprah Winfrey was exceeded only by his respect and appreciation of Barack Obama’s gifted leadership. He was so proud to be able to call both Oprah and the Obama’s “friends.” By honoring these two extraordinary citizens, Dan’s memory is equally honored.”

Legacy on Campus

  • Campus Courtyard

    The Obama Presidential Center campus features six courtyards named after several luminaries who have inspired President and Mrs. Obama. The Oprah Winfrey Courtyard, located on the Museum's Lower Level, honors the cultural  icon who used her platform to inspire others to recognize their own potential. 

  • Our Story

    The Our Story Lobby, donated in contribution from Oprah Winfrey, invites visitors to examine how we share our experiences, listen to others, and engage across difference. Our Story features City of the Big Shoulders , a three-story painting by artist Mark Bradford that draws on histories of ownership, power, and place.

Make a gift in honor of your heroes

Your honorary gift will help us inspire, empower, and connect leaders from around the world to take on the biggest challenges of our time.

The Barack Obama Foundation is registered as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN 46-4950751).

John Lewis

Meet More Honorees

Through the honoree naming initiative at the Obama Presidential Center, we are partnering with our donors to celebrate a part of the history in which the Obama story is so deeply rooted by associating a named space with a hero, moment, or person "on whose shoulders we stand"—an honoree who made the Obamas’ story possible.

Meet More Honorees