Happy New Year! In 2026, as we count down to the grand opening of the Obama Presidential Center in June, the excitement is just getting started. This year will be about turning our vision for a better future into reality for all — one that celebrates community and brings change home.

From West Africa to America, these Obama Leaders are turning resilience into real change. Together we can build communities rooted in courage, compassion, and hope. Happy New Year!

Kwanzaa marks the beginning of a joyous time to reflect on the richness of African-American culture and to remember the principles of unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith. May the light of Kwanzaa bring joy to your home!

Merry Christmas from the Obama Foundation! May your Christmas be filled with unwrapping new possibilities and the warmth of time spent with your loved ones!

As we reflect on the year, we are deeply grateful for you. In 2026, the Obama Presidential Center will open and be a place where all of us can be inspired to do extraordinary things. Because of you, that future is within reach.

Visible from nearby streets to miles beyond, excerpts from President Obama’s remarks during the 50th anniversary of Bloody Sunday in Selma, Alabama, started going up at sunrise today on the exterior of the Museum at the Obama Presidential Center. They are a reminder: “You Are America.”

This holiday season, we’re reflecting on Mrs. Obama’s impact as First Lady at this time of year, and how her spirit of hospitality will be planted—quite literally—into the Obama Presidential Center.

The installation of the “You Are America” text has started at the top of the Museum at the Obama Presidential Center — bringing to life the powerful words from President Barack Obama’s 2015 Selma anniversary speech.

We’ve got a present for you… We’ve been hard at work constructing the inspiring new spaces that will define the Obama Presidential Center. And we invite you to imagine spending warmer days ahead at our new playground full of whimsical structures for play, exploration, and rest.

This Hanukkah, former White House Jewish Liaison Jarrod Bernstein reflects on faith, family, and service at home and in the White House. From organizing White House Hanukkah celebrations to lighting menorahs with meaning, Jarrod carried tradition forward with intention: https://bit.ly/3YD8Qr5

This holiday season, hope lights the way — toward a more inclusive and compassionate world. We welcome you to sign this holiday card for President and Mrs. Obamas and reflect on the hope in your own heart, and how it lights the way for your community: https://obama.org/stories/holiday-card-2025

Curious what made the cut on President Obama’s Top Reads this year? Spoiler: his end-of-year lists just dropped—head to our previous post to check it out.

It’s finally here! Check out President Obama’s end-of-year picks for books, music and movies! Starting in June 2026, we’ll be celebrating the joy of reading, the power of music and thrill of movies on our campus. We can’t wait to host you!

During a recent visit to the nearly completed Obama Presidential Center campus, President Obama could barely contain his excitement. Home Court—the new athletic and community center—is finished, the landscaping is coming in, and the vision is truly coming to life.

Last week, Santa Obama paid a visit to the kiddos at Burke Elementary School: Homework? Checked. Nice list? Confirmed. Storytime? In session. Santa Obama reminded them: work hard, be kind. He sends his wishes for a joyful holiday season filled with happiness and new possibilities!

Chicago’s own Theaster Gates is the latest world-class artist whose work will appear at the Obama Presidential Center — and be free to the public to experience.

Wishing everyone a bright and joyful Hanukkah! We echo President Obama’s Hanukkah wishes from the White House several years ago: “May miracles past and present continue to inspire us as we build a better world together.”

Obama Leaders gathered in Rio for a powerful climate summit and discussed how they can act collectively as a moment to ensure the next generation has a livable and thriving future on this planet. No one person can lift all of this work, but collectively, we can be the changes we want to see.

Leo High School Choir captured our hearts this year in their incredible performance on America’s Got Talent. When President Obama met them this week on his trip in Chicago, they captured his heart, too, with their infectious enthusiasm and an impromptu performance of "U Will Know”.

Back in Chicago this week, President Obama went to his Hyde Park barbershop. There’s nothing like familiar faces and the feeling of home. When the Obama Presidential Center opens next June, we can’t wait to welcome the world to the South Side.

You never know where something that starts on the South Side might lead. In June, we are bringing change home. And we can’t wait to welcome you.

A little holiday wisdom from President Obama back in 2009: be respectful, give freely, and lead with kindness. What are you wishing for this holiday season?

“Democracy is something to be practiced every day.” Polish human rights lawyer and 2020 Obama Europe Leader Zuzanna Rudzińska-Bluszcz emphasizes the importance of people feeling ownership over their country, and shares that to preserve democracy, we must first find our shared values and experiences.

A small act of kindness can brighten someone’s entire holiday season. For President and Mrs. Obama, service around the holidays is a cherished tradition. Whether it is volunteering, donating, or offering a helping hand, when we take care of each other, the spirit of the season shines the brightest.

We sat down with renowned artist Marie Watt to discuss "This Land, Shared Sky," her upcoming collaboration with Chicago sculptor Nick Cave at the Obama Presidential Center in Jackson Park. Read our exclusive interview and take a peek at the work in progress: www.obama.org/stories/obam...

Each Thanksgiving during his administration, President Obama reflected on the people, institutions and organizations that make our country better in countless ways, modeling thankfulness for all of us. Today, we share some of these sentiments and invite you to join us in gratitude.

This Thanksgiving week, Obama Leaders are taking a moment to honor the people who shaped them. From mentors and mothers to teachers and organizations, they’re sharing videos and notes of gratitude. Who are you giving thanks for this season? www.obama.org/stories/obam...

In this season of gratitude, we invite you to join us in thanking the civic leaders in The Obama Foundation family who work so hard to help others, and create positive change in their communities and across our world. Sign this thank you card for them! www.obama.org/stories/bof-thank-you-card/

On this day in 2014, President Obama spoke about the unfinished work of immigration reform. In 2025, Chicagoans showed the world what these words mean. And they organized. Chicago, you make us proud.

Obama Fellow alum Sándor Léderer is proving the most powerful weapon against corruption isn’t simply exposure, but engaging a new generation to care about the issue. For Sándor, grassroots action is an essential tool to defend democracy from authoritarianism: www.youtube.com/watch?v=gRNaIMR00Fc

Words have power, and one of President Obama’s greatest speeches - honoring the civil rights marchers at Selma - will be permanently sculpted into the Obama Presidential Center’s walls. See how many hands are turning those words into one of our most iconic features.

We’re live! The Virtual Information Session for the Obama Presidential Center is happening right now. Tune in to explore the OPC’s design, programs, and our vision for the future: www.obama.org/stories/obam...

Obama Leaders aren’t shying away from the global climate crisis. From upcycling in Nigeria, to climate law in the US, digital activism in France, and youth engagement in Taiwan, when these leaders met in Chicago, their ideas became seeds for an international collaboration for our shared future.

On this Veteran’s Day, we honor those who wear our nation’s uniform and their courage, sacrifice, and unwavering service. To all who have served on the frontlines, and to the families who have stood beside them, we offer our deepest gratitude.

Calling all changemakers! The Obama Foundation is looking for the next generation of #ObamaLeaders in Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe, and the United States. If you're driving positive change, apply by Dec. 12. 👉 obama.org/programs/lea...

Calling all changemakers! The Obama Foundation is looking for the next generation of #ObamaLeaders in Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe, and the United States. If you're driving positive change, apply by Dec. 12. 👉 obama.org/programs/lea...

Opening in 2026, the Obama Presidential Center Forum will be home to spaces that spark dialogue, inspire action, and bring democracy to life. As we watch the forum take shape, how do you envision yourself contributing to a stronger, more connected community?

As we get ready to open in 2026, we want you to start thinking about your visit! Join us at this free virtual info session at 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 13 to learn: 🏛️ What stories the museum will tell 📖 What the on-site Chicago Public Library will offer 🌳 What your day on the OPC campus could look like

Millions of people turned out to vote 17 years ago today, fueled by the hope that change is possible. So many still remember that anticipation and excitement. Relive that moment with a preview of one of the election night stories we’ll tell at the Obama Presidential Center.

Meet Adélaïde Charlier, an Obama Leader who’s currently sailing across the Atlantic Ocean — not for adventure, but for raising awareness about climate change. Here it in her own words:

Whether you’re exploring a galaxy far, far away or swinging through the neighborhood, may your Halloween be full of fun, laughter, and plenty of candy! Here’s to full treat bags, big smiles, and memories. 🍫👻🎃

Ghosts or ghouls don’t scare Obama Leaders, but losing trust, truth, and our civic voices do. Good news? They’re doing something about it, because the best way to face darkness is to build something brighter together. Read their full stories and hear what gives them hope:

Hands coming together to hold a lantern of light — this idea inspired the design of the Obama Presidential Center, turning the simple gesture into a symbol for connection. Explore the story behind the vision: obama.org/stories/buil...

Our neighbors in Woodlawn, Kenwood, & Bronzeville are excited for what’s coming to the South Side. 🧵 “It’s a miracle if you ask me.”

Wishing a bright and joyful Diwali to all who celebrate! In 2009, President Obama lit the first diya at the White House—honoring a tradition that reminds us light always triumphs over darkness.

We’re thrilled to take you behind the scenes of the Obama Presidential Center, a new home for hope located in Chicago, built for the world. @barackobama.bsky.social & Michelle Obama recently walked the site- “a living, breathing, dynamic cultural & gathering space.” www.nytimes.com/2025/10/18/a...

@theobamafoundation.bsky.social “We are at our strongest when we rely on culture and put what makes us unique, front and center.” For over two decades, Charlie Galbraith has dedicated his life to justice for Native and Indigenous communities — from the Obama White House to today. Read his story:

Can’t make it to Chicago? We’ll bring the Obama Presidential Center to you. Join us at 6 p.m. Central Thursday (Oct. 9) for a virtual walk-through of the 19.3-acre campus opening next spring on the South Side. Save your spot: obama.org/stories/obam...

❤️ Happy 33rd wedding anniversary to the Obamas! Since tying the knot on the South Side of Chicago, their love has offered us all a masterclass in love that lasts. Read five lessons about love we’ve learned from the couple over the years:

President @barackobama.bsky.social's reflection on the passing of Dr. Jane Goodall. 🤍