Obama Center Opens in Chicago, Former Presidents Attend

The Obama Presidential Center, dedicated to preserving the legacy of former U.S. President Barack Obama, officially opened its doors in Chicago on Thursday. The ceremony drew a notable gathering of former presidents and their spouses, including Joe Biden, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton, underscoring a moment of bipartisan reflection.

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No one is above the law and no one is excluded from its protection.

During his address, Obama stressed that "no one is above the law and no one is excluded from its protection." He highlighted the fundamental tenets of democracy, such as checks and balances, judicial independence, freedom of the press, and a military loyal to the people and the Constitution. Obama also implored Americans not to abandon their efforts in the face of "cruelty and hatred," urging them to resist political cynicism and despair.

While Obama did not directly name the current administration, foreign media interpreted his remarks as an indirect critique of contemporary political trends. Chicago, Obama's political home and his wife Michelle's birthplace, holds deep personal significance for the former president, who began his political career there in 1985. He expressed his profound connection to the city, stating, "It was here that I found the purpose, community, and faith I was looking for."

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You are America.

Michelle Obama reflected on her husband's eight years in office as a "time in a crucible," praising his "stubborn optimism" and moral integrity in the face of political attacks. She asserted that "no one has the right to decide who is truly American." During her speech, Obama was seen wiping away tears, a moment captured by photographers.

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It was here that I found the purpose, community, and faith I was looking for.

The center, built on a 23,000-square-meter campus in South Chicago with $850 million in funding, features a 70-meter-high granite tower symbolizing four hands coming together. The tower's exterior is inscribed with a quote from Obama's 2015 speech: "You are America." Notably, Donald Trump, who has previously derided the center, was not invited to the opening, though the foundation stated he would be welcomed if he chose to visit.

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a time in a crucible