Summer in Chicago

The–Summer is always a special time in Chicago, and earlier this month, The Obama Foundation participated in one of my favorite traditions—the Bud Billiken parade. 



Now in its 96th year, the Bud Billiken Parade and Festival is a joyful celebration of the spirit and history of Chicago’s South Side through music, dance, and food. 

When the Obama Presidential Center opens next year, not far from the parade route, we’re excited to bring that same energy of hope and introduce the world to the incredible South Side community.

We want to give every Chicagoan the chance to connect with us and learn more about the Obama Presidential Center. Here’s a taste of what we’ve been up to: 

• Marched in Chicago’s 54th annual Pride Parade and participated in Chicago Pride Fest
• Launched a meet n’ greet series that will pop up in every Chicago neighborhood to spread the news about the Obama Presidential Center
• Connected with the community at the Juneteenth Festival at DuSable Museum
• Joined National Night Out at the South Side Y
• Participated in Fiesta del Sol, a yearly celebration of the Latinx community in Chicago
• Started offering perimeter tours of the Obama Presidential Center site to give community members an update on our progress

And our work doesn’t stop there! We recently started a virtual info session series to give people across the country and around the world more information about the Obama Presidential Center—from a look at our construction progress to information about what you’ll experience when the Center opens next year.  

We’d love for you to join a future session! If you’re interested, please fill out this form and let us know which date works best for you.

Thanks for learning a little bit about the Public Engagement team’s work. I’m excited to share more with you as we near the opening of the Center. 

–Josh

Josh Harris
VP of Public Engagement
The Obama Foundation