In photos: Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson on how Chicago shaped them

At the 2019 Obama Foundation Summit, First Lady Michelle Obama took the stage with her brother Craig Robsinson to talk about their childhood in Chicago and how it shaped who they are. Author and journalist Isabel Wilkerson moderated this powerful discussion that touched on everything from growing up in South Shore, their time as a brother-sister duo at Princeton, and how they sought to recreate a sense of home no matter where they went — including by bringing some of the South Side to the White House.

In closing, Mrs. Obama discussed why it’s important to bring the Obama Presidential Center to the South Side. “The vision for this isn’t just about the Obama Presidential Center. It’s about the Southside of Chicago. It’s about our neighborhood and community.”

Take a look at the photos Mrs. Obama and her brother Craig discussed during the Obama Foundation Summit session then check out the full video of their conversation:

Marian Robinson poses for a photo with her children, a young Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson.
Family photos taken on the same day in the backyard of the Robinson’s home on the South Side of Chicago. Credit: Obama Family Photo.
Fraser C. Robinson III, a Black man with a deep skin tone, wears a blue and green striped sweater and glasses and stands in front of a young Michelle and Craig Robinson
Family photos taken on the same day in the backyard of the Robinson’s home on the South Side of Chicago. Credit: Obama Family Photo.
A portrait Craig and Michelle Robinson when they were kids.
Family photos taken on the same day in the backyard of the Robinson’s home on the South Side of Chicago. Credit: Obama Family Photo.
A teenage Craig Robinson plays with a DJ equipment. He has a buzz cut and is wearing black headphone with orange ear cups, and a green polo shirt with white, orange, and red stripes.
Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson from Princeton; Craig is DJing at the Third World Center. Credit: Obama Family Photo.
A young Michelle Obama stands on the campus of Princeton University. She smiles with long and wavy braids, is wearing a jean jacket anda bright red shirt.
Michelle Obama at Princeton. Credit: Obama Family Photo.
Michelle Obama walks down the aisle and holds white periwinkles as she locks arms with her brother Craig Robinson. He is smiling and wearing a black suit with a white button up shirt, and a black bowtie.
Michelle Obama walks down the aisle with her brother Craig Robinson on her wedding day at Trinity United Church of Christ on the South Side of Chicago. Credit: Obama Family Photo.
Michelle Obama, sits on the couch with Sash in her lap. Craig Robinson, his wife, children and Malia sit next to her.
The Obama and Robinson families on election night in 2004 when Barack Obama was elected to the Senate. Credit: Obama Family Photo.
President Obama sits around a table and toasts with a group of people with a range of light and deep skin tones.
President and Mrs. Obama host a family lunch in the Old Family Dining Room of the White House after President Obama’s second inauguration. Credit: Obama White House Photo.
A green sign with white wording says, "JACKSON PARK" and "chicago park district."
Jackson Park sign, the future site of the Obama Presidential Center. Credit: The Obama Foundation

There's No Place Like Home: Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson in conversation with Isabel Wilkerson

There’s No Place Like Home: Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson in conversation with Isabel Wilkerson

You can see more Summit highlights at obama.org/summit-2019 .

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