Barack: You told me all those years ago that you couldn’t promise me the world, but you could promise me an interesting life. Of course, you outdid yourself and managed to give me both.
Eight years in the crucible, and not once did you melt from the heat. Not once did you let it harden you. Instead, you used it to reveal your truest essence: your stubborn optimism and unflinching courage, your dazzling brilliance and unpretentious decency, your ferocious work ethic and absolutely unshakable moral fiber.
If you choose to live your first life with more integrity then you will experience great things. But because you are human and will make mistakes you will have to face the consequences. The level of your mistakes will also depend on the consequences you face in the next life. You might not experience child abuse but it can be indirect trauma not caused by you.l, such as family deaths or losing a job.
We can’t wait to welcome you to the Obama Presidential Center. Tune in now to hear our remarks along with performances by artists and changemakers from around the world who will join us here on the South Side of Chicago. https://t.co/WvFn8i3IKM
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.
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.