The Power of Words

“ You are America. Unconstrained by habit and convention. Unencumbered by what is, ready to seize what ought to be. For everywhere in this country, there are first steps to be taken, there is new ground to cover, there are more bridges to be crossed. America is not the project of any one person. The single most powerful word in our democracy is the word ‘We.’ ‘We The People.’ ‘We Shall Overcome.’ ‘Yes We Can.’ That word is owned by no one. It belongs to everyone. Oh, what a glorious task we are given to continually try to improve this great nation of ours.”

–President Barack Obama, 2015

The Sky Room

While the letters are visible from the street or sidewalks below the Museum, you also have the chance to get a breathtaking view through “You Are America” in the Sky Room. 

The Sky Room is the top floor of the Museum and the highest point on the campus. This light-filled, awe-inspiring space features one-of-a kind views and expansive space for contemplation. The ceiling of the Sky Room is encased in an art installation featuring thousands of hand-stamped words spoken in President Obama’s “You Are America” speech.

The Legacy of Selma 

The 1965 Selma to Montgomery march on March 7 stands as one of the pivotal events in American history and its consequences resonate still today. On March 7, 1965 Civil Rights marchers nonviolently protested in support of their constitutional right to vote. As they marched, they were brutally assaulted by state troopers.

The event, which would later be known as “Bloody Sunday,” was seen by millions. The vicious attacks against peaceful protesters, which included tear gas and beatings with billy clubs, sent shock waves across the world, leading to mass support for the marchers and the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. This moment of resistance stands as a testament to the power of peaceful civil disobedience in the face of unspeakable violence.

Building “You Are America”

The letters for this unique installation were manufactured using Ultra-High Performance Concrete by Shaffner Heaney Associates/Envel, an experienced manufacturing firm based in South Bend, Indiana. For nearly five years, Shaffner Heaney/ Envel worked closely with architects and engineers on the Obama Presidential Center team to shape this installation. 

The letters consist of 52 unique molds made from custom templates that were then used to craft giant letters, each standing 5 feet. The molds for the letters use Gotham, the same typeface utilized during President Obama’s 2008 campaign.