Former President Barack Obama, joined by three former presidents, celebrated the opening of his presidential museum in Chicago. The event brought together politicians, A-list celebrities, athletes, and other internationally known figures.
Speakers and Performers
Bono, John Legend, Christina Aguilera, Marc Anthony, and Eddie Vedder took turns on the stage ahead of Bruce Springsteen and Stevie Wonder. Obama voiced his support for character, honesty, integrity, kindness, compassion, and sense of duty, praising both Democrats and Republicans.
Obama reflected on his arrival in Chicago in 1985 as an untested political organizer, saying he could not have built the center anywhere else. He met his future wife Michelle nearby, their wedding reception was within walking distance, his children were born in the neighborhood, and he launched his first candidacy not far away.
Michelle Obama spoke directly to her husband, praising his stubborn optimism, unflinching courage, dazzling brilliance, and unpretentious decency. She ticked off highlights from her husband’s eight years in office, including ordering the raid that led to the killing of Osama bin Laden and standing up for marriage equality.
Attendees
Former presidents Joe Biden, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton, along with former first ladies Jill Biden, Laura Bush, and Hillary Rodham Clinton, attended the event. Former Vice President Kamala Harris was also in attendance.
Other notable attendees included civil rights leaders Andrew Young and Al Sharpton, Oprah Winfrey, comedians David Letterman, Conan O’Brien, and Stephen Colbert, actor Tom Hanks, tennis legend Billie Jean King, and Chicago Cubs Chairman Tom Ricketts.
Former world leaders in attendance included former Germany Chancellor Angela Merkel and former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
The opening of the Obama Presidential Center kicks off a weekend of events centered around the museum, which opens to the general public on Juneteenth. Thousands more watched from a nearby park.
Original reporting: WTVQ (Lexington) — read the source article.
