Chicago stories
See what we're up to in the community.
Obama Foundation’s Girls Opportunity Alliance announces $500,000 Commitment to Empower Girls in Chicago
Find out how 14 organizations will expand their programing and impact.
Learn more
- Programs
- Stories
Why saying I love you matters—with insights from President and Mrs. Obama.
Learn more 
- Stories
- Building the Center
Ten more artists have been commissioned to have their work appear at the Obama Presidential Center.
Learn more 
- The Center
- Stories
On this Labor Day, get a glimpse of some of the meaningful buttons labor unions made to support President Obama’s campaigns.
Learn more 
- The Center
- Community Engagement
Community members are welcome to join us for free monthly public tours to see the campus come together
Learn more 
- Programs
- Community Engagement
The Obama Foundation Futures Series exposes high school students to career pathways through intimate conversations with accomplished leaders.
Learn more 
- Stories
- The Arts
President Obama and the inaugural class of MBK Ambassadors join together for their first formal convening.
Learn more 
- The Arts
- Community Engagement
President Obama joined MBK youth from Newark and Chicago to discuss their transformative journey to Brazil, hearing how they grew as leaders finding their place in the world
Learn more 
- The Center
- Building the Center
This summer, join us at your local coffee shop, library, festival, or small business to learn more about the Obama Presidential Center.
Learn more 
- Community Engagement
- Scholars
Jibreel Jalloh, a passionate civic leader and community organizer from Canarsie, Brooklyn, shares his challenges of addressing gun violence and environmental issues.
Learn more 
- Equality
- Leaders
Obama Leaders are championing LGBTQIA+ rights, not just in celebration, but in action.
Learn more 
- Community Engagement
- MBK Alliance
From Chicago to Nairobi, fathers and mentors share how parenting deepened their leadership and strengthened their communities.
Learn more 
- Education
- Leaders
Kamala Avila-Salmon shares how inclusive storytelling drives cultural change, uplifts diverse voices, and fosters deeper human connection.
Learn more 
- MBK Alliance
- Community Engagement
- MBK Alliance
- Youth
See how eight young men from Chicago and Newark gain leadership skills and cultural insight during MBKA's exchange program in Brazil.
Learn more 
- MBK Alliance
- Youth
Meet the MBK Alliance youth attending the NCAA Final Four in San Antonio, Texas.
Learn more 
- Defending Democracy
- USA
Each year, The Obama Foundation’s Democracy Forum brings together leaders, activists, and changemakers to tackle some of the most pressing challenges facing democracy today.
Learn more 
- Girls Opportunity Alliance
- Community Engagement
Discover how dance empowers girls on stage, in leadership, and in life.
Learn more 
- Girls Opportunity Alliance
- Community Engagement
Discover how Jumping Juniors empowers girls through Double Dutch jump rope with support from the Girls Opportunity Alliance.
Learn more 
- Building the Center
- Construction blog
Get a peek at the basketball hoop-shaped exterior wedge walls.
Learn more 
- Building the Center
- Construction blog
The Home Court at the Obama Presidential Center was topped out —which means the steel skeleton of the building is complete!
Learn more 
- Building the Center
- Construction blog
The Home Court at the Obama Presidential Center was topped out —which means the steel skeleton of the building is complete!
Learn more 
- Building the Center
- Construction blog
Get a peek at the steel framing for the athletics facility, museum building stone installation and an update on the latest artwork.
Learn more 
- Community Engagement
- Education
Julia Perkins founded Studio Yogi to make wellness accessible for all. Here’s how!
Learn more 
- Stories
- Equality
See how Project Exploration creates dynamic STEM learning opportunities for girls on the West Side of Chicago.
Learn more 
- Building the Center
- Education
As the Obama Presidential Center prepares to open its doors in 2026, our brand identity enters a new chapter.
Learn more 
- Equality
- Community Engagement
See how the Girls Opportunity Alliance brings together leaders from across Chicago for connection and capacity building.
Learn more 
- Girls Opportunity Alliance
- Watch
See how Praize Productions, Inc. nurtures girls’ talent, self-expression, and life skills through performing arts.
Learn more 
- Stories
- Building the Center
- Defending Democracy
- Virtual Event
A 5-step guide to embracing pluralism, fostering connection, and engaging inclusively this holiday season.
Learn more 
- Girls Opportunity Alliance
- Youth
Learn how the Alliance is joining forces with 26 organizations serving adolescent girls in Chicago and around the world
Learn more 
- Building the Center
- Construction blog
Concrete construction across the site is complete. The Sky Room and Oval Office are taking shape.
Learn more 
- Building the Center
- Community Engagement
Get to know the inspiring community members behind the Obama Presidential Center
Learn more 
- First Look
- The Arts
Discover over 20 art installations that will stimulate creativity and inspire people to bring change home.
Learn more 
- First Look
- Building the Center
This unique partnership is the first of its kind and will feature digital media spaces and educational resources for kids and adults.
Learn more - Programs
- The Arts
The Obama Foundation Futures Series exposes high school students to career pathways through intimate conversations with accomplished leaders.
Learn more - Programs
- The Arts
The Obama Foundation Futures Series exposes high school students to career pathways through intimate conversations with accomplished leaders.
Learn more undefined
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.)