Skip to content

A day in the life: Harry Grammer

Four men of light neutral skin tone on a boat that says waterkeeper

Where Ocean and Community Connect

After a personal encounter with the juvenile justice system, Obama Fellow Harry Grammer found his purpose in life: to help other justice system-involved youth build a brighter future for themselves. He founded  New Earth (Opens in a new tab)  to mentor and empower at-risk youth to transform their lives through art, poetry, educational, and vocational programs.

Dive into an outing Harry took with his mentees and  LA Waterkeeper (Opens in a new tab) , a marine protection agency, in an effort to expand their horizons.

A collage of a hand holding a baby octopus and two men of light neutral skin tone holding a net/bag

I was one of these young people. I spent five years on juvenile probation as a young man. I left home at 18-years-old. I was a college drop out. I realized that the best thing I could do is help young people who may have traveled down the same path as I did.”

Harry Grammer
Three men with light skin tones drives a boat on the sea
In addition to group activities like these with LA Waterkeeper, New Earth offers counseling, job training, mentoring, and educational programs for young people ages 13-25.
A  man with light skin tones takes a picture on the outside of a boat while out at sea
“We need to listen to our young people and find out what they’re longing for and what they need.”—Harry Grammer
Four men with different skin tones surrounding each other on a boat
Harry’s organization, New Earth, has slashed recidivism rates from 69 percent to 5 percent among its full participants.
A man with a medium skin tone is shown outside in front of boats looking forward toward the camera.
"The experiences I had struggling through homelessness and juvenile probation actually gave me the heart to create something like this.” —Harry Grammer on starting New Earth

Donate
Today

We need your help to turn hope into action—to inspire, empower, and connect people to change their world.

Visit
  • 6001 S. Stony Island Ave.
  • 1-(773)-900-0044
  • The Museum

    The Obama Presidential Center Museum is a world-class landmark that tells the story of our democracy through the lens of America’s first Black president and First Lady. Dynamic exhibits across four floors will highlight the events, policies, challenges, and accomplishments of the Obama presidency. The Museum is comprised of four levels of exhibitions and the Sky Room, a 5,000 square foot space that offers soul-stirring perspective and panoramic views of Chicago. Entry to the Museum is by time-ticket or event participation. Monday | 1 - 8 p.m. CTTuesday - Sunday | 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. CT

  • Forum Building

    The Forum Building is a vibrant community center that celebrates creativity and innovation. The Forum’s two levels are brought to life through power performances at the Elie Wiesel Auditorium, creative forms of expression in the Media Suite, and collaborative thinking in the Democracy in Action Labs. The Forum also features the Hadiya Pendleton Atrium, Tafari’s Kitchen, our Cafe, two courtyards, and one-of-kind pieces of art by Theaster Gates, Spencer Finch, and Tyanna Buie. Monday | 1 p.m. - 8 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday | 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

  • Home Court

    Home Court is a 60,000-square-foot athletic and events space designed to strengthen the entire community and motivate people of all ages. Home Court offers programs inspired by President Obama's belief in the power of sports, mentorship, and connection. The two level space includes an NBA-sized regulation basketball court, seven flexible multipurpose rooms, two outdoor courtyards, and several multi-level seating areas for visitors.Monday - Sunday 12 p.m. - 8 p.m. CT

  • Chicago Public Library, Obama Presidential Center Branch

    Libraries are the beating heart of a strong democratic culture. Here we welcome local residents, scholars, and visitors from around the world to connect, reflect, and act. The Obama Presidential Center campus features a new branch of the Chicago Public Library that celebrates the rich history of Chicago’s public libraries and the powerful legacy of the Obamas. The Library Branch includes a YOUMedia Suite, a City Maker’s Space, a Children’s Area, and the exclusive President’s Reading Room, a collection of written works that reflect the interests, histories, and readings of President and Mrs. Obama.Mon & Wed12 - 8 p.m. CTTues & Thur10 a.m. - 6 p.m. CTFri & Sat9 a.m. - 5 p.m. CTSun1 -5 p.m. CT

The Obama Foundation is a nonpartisan 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization on a mission to inspire, empower, and connect people to change their world. Read more  about our tax-exempt status.

© 2026 The Barack Obama Foundation.