It means so much to Barack and me to open up the Obama Presidential Center on the South Side of Chicago. This is where I grew up, where Barack got his start, and where we raised our girls. So having a place where kids from our community can see themselves, connect with each other, and channel their hope—there’s nothing more powerful than that.
It was great reconnecting with our alumni tonight!
Michelle and I will always be grateful for the chance to work side-by-side with so many brilliant, selfless people who believed in something bigger than themselves.
My Higher Power is not intrusive, overbearing, obnoxious, passive, aggressive, attention-seeking, deceitful, cunning, insecure, condescending or dogmatic.
To everyone who helped bring the Obama Presidential Center to life, thank you. Michelle and I are so grateful for all your dedication and hard work over the years.
I got a little teary-eyed tonight thinking about my mother-in-law, Marian Robinson.
I tried to hype myself up for work this morning with thoughts that I was just going to hang out; make a little money in the process. Twenty minutes before my scheduled start time, I didn’t want to hang out, anymore.
It was great joining Njideka Akunyili Crosby — a gifted Nigerian-born, Los Angeles-based artist — to unveil our first portrait together. This piece reflects so many chapters of Michelle and my story, and we’re thrilled that it will be on display in the Hope and Change lobby at the Obama Presidential Center starting this Juneteenth.
What God has put in your heart—the dreams, the promises, what you’re believing for—you have to pronounce it before you’ll see it. Don’t stay silent. Don’t just wish. Silence is surrender. Silence is letting Goliath stay. Be a David. Speak to those giants in the authority of the Most High God.
Our @MBK_Alliance Ambassadors are examples of the outstanding young people we’ve been proud to support at the @ObamaFoundation over the years. We hope the Obama Presidential Center inspires even more.