The Obama Presidential Center is set to break ground this year in Chicago, and the Obamas took to social media to celebrate the announcement. Former first lady Michelle Obama in particular, shared what the words that will be on the exterior of the presidential center meant to her in her latest Instagram post.
Over the weekend, the former first lady shared a post on Instagram celebrating the announcement of the Obama Presidential Center that will be located in Chicago’s southwest Jackson Park neighborhood. Mrs. Obama reflected on her own upbringing and the significance of the words that will be shown on the exterior of the building to her and to all Americans. The presidential center features an excerpt from the 44th President’s speech at Selma, Alabama, most notably the words “You are America.”
“Today, we unveil the words that will appear on the exterior of the Obama Presidential Center as a reminder that we stand on the shoulders of those who marched in Selma and all those who came before us and that the task of progress is in our hands,” wrote the former first lady.
“That’s why Barack and I started the Obama Foundation — to provide inspiration and support to young leaders looking to make change. My hope is when young folks from my old neighborhood look up and see the words “You are America,” they never question whether they belong or whether they have the power to shape this country’s future.”
Former President Barack Obama also celebrated the announcement on his Instagram as well. Preliminary construction is set to begin in April with the official groundbreaking taking place in August.
Previously, Mrs. Obama blasted GOP efforts to make it harder for people to vote, especially for people of color, following the voter turnout in the November elections that gave Joe Biden the election victory. The former first lady co-chairs a nonpartisan organization When We All Vote that aims to encourage voter participation especially among the youth and people of color. The former first lady released a statement, calling the actions of state Republican officials “unpatriotic” and an attack on the country’s democracy.
Mrs. Obama also called on Senators to pass the sweeping For the People Act, which would target voting rights that was passed by the House last week.