Barack Obama hailed democracy on June 18 at the grand opening of the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago, saying the centre will “remind us what we can achieve when we embrace our shared responsibilities as citizens.”
Obama’s remarks came at the dedication ceremony for the 20-acre campus on Jackson Park, a project he described as a “vibrant, living celebration of community” and a space to lift up civic engagement and democratic values.
The former president framed the centre as an affirmation of democratic norms and the peaceful transfer of power, telling visitors that “there will be no kings” as he contrasted self-government with past hierarchies.
Michelle Obama also spoke at the event; the BBC reported that her remarks moved Barack Obama to tears as she praised his record and resilience. The ceremony featured performances and former presidents in attendance.
News outlets described the privately funded project as a major cultural attraction for Chicago: the BBC and AP reported the site includes museum exhibits, a public library, a playground, a basketball court and community spaces, and noted the centre was built on a 20-acre campus.
The opening followed a decade of planning and local debate; BBC coverage said the centre faced legal challenges and concerns about gentrification, while organisers pitched it as a community resource and civic hub.
Obama’s full remarks were published by the Obama Foundation on Medium, where he set the centre’s mission: to highlight ordinary citizens’ voices, civic service and the institutions that sustain democracy.
Sources
- AP News — reported that “Former President Barack Obama formally opened his presidential center in Chicago on Thursday with a call to defend democracy.”
- BBC — provided details that Obama said “There will be no kings” and reported Michelle Obama’s speech moved him to tears and described the centre’s 20-acre campus and community amenities.
- Obama Foundation / Medium — published Obama’s full “Remarks as delivered” transcript at the June 18 opening.
