Obama Foundation

Twenty years ago today, then-Senator Barack Obama delivered the keynote address at the 2004 Democratic National Convention. The speech suddenly made him a national figure. Emphasizing themes of unity and hope, he presented a vision of America that transcended partisan divides. Last year, Barack Obama reflected on that moment with a group of our #ObamaScholars from University of Chicago and Columbia University. Get a glimpse into their conversation:

As we continue building the Obama Presidential Center inside Jackson Park, our commitment to uplifting the South and West Sides of Chicago shines brighter than ever. 📸 Thank you to our friend and Chicago photographer Antonio Dickey for sharing this beautiful photo!

In his 2013 eulogy of Nelson Mandela, President Obama challenged young leaders in Africa to embrace their own leadership power, and to continue the advocacy work Mandela started. This Mandela Day, we’re inspired by the incredible #ObamaLeaders, like Thokozile Nhlumayo ("Thoko"), who have picked up the baton of change. Whether she’s promoting her #NotTooYoungToLead movement or advocating as Secretary General of the International Youth Parliament, Thoko is passionate about getting young people in Africa involved in political engagement and harnessing their own power for good. Throughout her time in the Obama Foundation’s Leaders Africa program, Thoko strengthened her leadership skills and made strong connections with other changemakers across the African continent. Sharing ideas, working through challenges, and offering advice to her peers became a constant in Thoko’s time in the program. “The biggest takeaway for me was learning how to use storytelling as a tool for my activism,” Thoko shared. “It was through the Leaders Africa program that I was brave enough to pen my story and finally became a published author, so that my story can be heard by many people like myself.” Thoko’s published story highlights the challenges she has faced, especially as a female, queer activist in Africa. “My heart yearns for a future where politics in Africa is truly a place of belonging for all,” Thoko wrote. “My fervent dream is that Africa will recognize that every individual has the capacity to make meaningful contributions to governance and the democratic process.” Last December, Thoko joined Michelle Obama for a special conversation with other #ObamaLeaders in South Africa. “It was such an empowering experience to gain from her wealth of knowledge,” Thoko said. “It was also amazing to reconnect with other #ObamaLeaders who are leading change across Africa.”

Four years ago today, the world lost one of the most inspirational leaders of our time – Representative John Lewis. Relentless in his pursuit of equality, Rep. Lewis continues to serve as an example of how, through our collective efforts, we can bring lasting change home. At the Obama Foundation, we were lucky enough to have Rep. Lewis’ involvement in a number of our programs, including My Brother's Keeper Alliance. On the anniversary of his passing, take a look at how his legacy will live on at the Obama Presidential Center: https://lnkd.in/dMaa6qm5

The Obama Presidential Center will be a global center for change. Spanning 19 acres, the Chicago-based campus will feature something for everyone, including a 45,000 sq ft multipurpose athletic center, a special events auditorium, a new branch of the Chicago Public Library, and a world-class museum. Learn more about our plans at: https://lnkd.in/guB59fst

"What makes us great is not our size or our wealth, but our values and our ideals and the fact that we're willing to fight for them. A land of liberty and opportunity; a global defender of peace and freedom; a beacon of hope for people everywhere who cherish those ideals. And we have also earned it [...] because as part of a long line of folks who are willing to fight for those ideals, we've been able to not only preserve and make more perfect this union, but also try to spread that light elsewhere." - President Obama, July 4, 2013 Today, we honor the service members whose sacrifices protect our freedom. No matter how or where you mark Independence Day, may your celebration embody the values and ideals that make us all American — and to which we must recommit ourselves to fight for year after year. Happy 4th! 🇺🇸

Our Obama Foundation interns did a phenomenal job facilitating their end of year projects today! They were poised, professional, and authentically themselves. The room was filled with cheers, laughter, and lots of gratitude. Thank you Odalis Arcadio and the entire OF team for providing such a rich and intentional internship experience for our students. Urban Alliance is extremely grateful for your support. A special shout out to our very own Internship Program Lead (IPL), Leon Dixon, for helping to foster a strong partnership. Well done! #UrbanAlliance #UA #UrbanAllianceChicago #StudentsFirst #Internships #Partnership

🌈 We had a blast walking with our friends from the LGBT Chamber of Commerce of Illinois in the 53rd annual Chicago Pride Parade! Throughout June we reflected on the progress that has been made toward equality for LGBTQ+ Americans, and celebrated the community at events like Pride Fest. As Pride Month comes to close, we encourage everyone to recommit to the significant work that remains. As President Obama has said, we must “continue to stand in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community as they fight growing threats to their right to live freely and without prejudice.”

We’re incredibly inspired by the hundreds of LGBTQIA+ Obama campaign and White House alumni who worked, and continue to work, tirelessly to push progress forward. Alumni like Dylan Orr, who made history when he became the first transgender person to serve in an appointed position in a U.S. Presidential administration. We caught up with Dylan to hear about his role in the Obama administration and how he is continuing to carry the work forward today – both as a transgender dad and he Director of Environmental Health Services for Seattle & King County Public Health. Read his story: https://lnkd.in/gxKjyqu9

June 26, 2015, also marked the end of an unprecedented ten-day stretch in American history. That afternoon, President Obama traveled to Charleston, South Carolina, to eulogize Reverend Clementa Pinckney alongside eight of his parishioners, who were brutally murdered by a white supremacist at Mother Emanuel AME church. The President spoke of grace and reflected on the incredible lives lost. Revisit the powerful yet devastating moment in our nation’s history.