Tafari Campbell

Obama Presidential Center Honoree

Headshot of Tafari Campbell; Photo Credit: Seth Mourra

Space Name: Tafari’s Kitchen | Forum | Level 1

Tafari Campbell was part of the White House kitchen team and, later, the Obama family’s personal chef for many years. Growing up, he cooked for large family gatherings and learned to create beautiful dishes that nourished both body and soul. A warm, fun-loving, and selfless soul, with award-winning culinary talent, Campbell used his passion for food to spread joy and create community.

“ Tafari Campbell showed us what true character looks like. He believed that actions speak louder than words. And he used his immense gifts to bring people together, provide comfort, and spread joy.”

–President Barack Obama

Legacy on Campus

  • Tafari’s Kitchen

    Tafari’s Kitchen is a culinary experience honoring the legacy of former White House Chef, Tafari Campbell and the local food traditions of Chicago. Curated by Chef Cliff Rome, Tafari’s Kitchen is a one-of-a-kind restaurant that celebrates the connections we make through food.

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

John Lewis

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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.

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