Former presidents usually establish their own centers commemorating their presidency and for furthering their initiatives. Barack Obama finally follows suit upon the announcement of his presidential center beginning construction this week.
Officials have announced that the Obama Presidential Center will start construction this year. The construction for the center comes after a four-year federal review along with other delays. The library will be built on a South Side lakefront park, not far from where he started his political career, his law school teaching career, and where he lived with his family. The planning of the library previously experienced setbacks as there was a legal battle involved with park preservationists and neighborhood activists that expressed concerns that the new library would displace Black residents.
“Getting to this point wouldn’t have been possible without the folks in the community who have been part of this process along the way,” said Obama in the video message announcing the groundbreaking of the center. “We know that by working together, we can unlock the South Side’s fullest potential and help set up our city, our country, and our world, for even better years to come.”
Officials from the Obama Foundation revealed that the city will start its preconstruction work in April. This includes relocating utility lines, and the actual construction would begin in August. Officials have estimated that the center would create 5,000 jobs during and after construction. Funds used to put up the center all come from private donations.
In other related news, the former president and former first lady Michelle Obama will be hosting a Youtube special called “Black Renaissance.” The program will air later this month, in honor of February being Black History month, and will feature a lineup of prominent figures alongside the former first couple. The lineup also includes National Book Award finalist Jason Reynolds, journalist Jemele Hill, artist Shantell Martin, filmmakers Raafi Rivero and Naomi Merlan, rappers Killer Mike and Tobe Nwigwe, and comedians Desus Nice and The Kid Mero.
“People come to Youtube as a place to learn and connect. This Black History month we wanted to continue meeting this challenge which I believe has never been more important,” said Youtube Originals head of Learning, Impact, Kids & Families Nadine Zylstra.