Obama center opens

Friday, June 19, 2026, 10:49 am

Barack Obama opened his center in Chicago.

In brief:

Former US President Barack Obama opened his presidential center.

All living US ex-presidents and celebrities attended the opening ceremony.

Current President Donald Trump was not there, and Mr. Obama talked about fears for US democracy.

All living US ex-presidents, except Donald Trump, attended the opening of Barack Obama's presidential center.

Mr. Obama gave a hopeful speech at the modern center.

Mr. Obama also talked about fears that US democracy is in danger, saying 'no kings'.

Mr. Obama said most people want the nation to heal.

They want fairness, common sense, and respect.

The center will remind people of the importance of democracy and what citizens can achieve together.

The complex with Mr. Obama's records and mementos opens to the public on Friday.

Bruce Springsteen and Eddie Vedder performed during the ceremony.

Thursday's event was for celebrities, with performances by U2's Bono and Stevie Wonder.

This was a rare occasion when all the country's former presidents gathered.

George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and Joe Biden walked on stage with the Obamas.

Joe Biden, Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton were together at the center opening.

Donald Trump was absent and often criticizes Mr. Obama.

Senator Dick Durbin said he is disappointed with the current situation in Washington.

Senator Durbin honored President Bush for attending the bipartisan event.

Former Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi and former German Chancellor Angela Merkel were also there.

Hundreds of Chicagoans watched the ceremony from a distance.

People watched the dedication ceremony from Midway Plaisance in Chicago.

Chicago is where Obama started.

Chicago's South Side was important in Mr. Obama's career.

Mr. Obama was a community organizer and later a senator in Illinois.

He launched his presidential bid from Chicago and won two terms.

The neighborhood now hosts the Obama center, with a basketball court and a 69-meter tower.

The architecture has drawn criticism, with Donald Trump comparing it to a 'trash can'.

Donald Trump called the center a 'total disaster'.

Some critics have called the building the 'Obamalisk' or compared it to a 'Star Wars' spaceship.

The $850 million center will enshrine Mr. Obama's message of 'hope', said Valerie Jarrett.

The center has a playground and a public library, but stores archives digitally.

Chicago has produced many important things, said Congressman Danny Davis.

Chicago was a center for the civil rights movement and social development.

It's the only place where an African American became president.

AFP

Friday, June 19, 2026, 10:49 am

Friday, June 19, 2026, 12:07 pm

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