LIVE: Obama Presidential Center grand opening
ABC 7 Chicago · 4:09:18 · 1 weeks ago
The Obama Presidential Center grand opening featured a star-studded ceremony, public watch parties, and speeches celebrating community and democracy.
- Ceremony start — Jennifer Hudson sang the national anthem at followed by Christina Aguilera, Bruce Springsteen, Common, and Stevie Wonder closing the show.
- Presidential addresses — Barack Obama spoke at and Michelle Obama at , highlighting South Side roots and shared values.
- Public watch party — Thousands gathered at Midway Plaisance with food trucks, DJ, and jumbotron viewing starting at .
- Former leaders present — Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Joe Biden and spouses attended the invite-only event at .
- Campus details — 19-acre site includes museum, library branch, gardens, and adaptive playground opening to the public on Juneteenth.
- Road and security — Closures ran from 57th to 63rd Streets with TSA-style checks and VIP rolling restrictions noted at .
Why did the Obamas choose Jackson Park for the center? How did the foundation involve South Side residents in planning?