Obama Center Visit with the Chicago Lyric Opera and Committed Knitters

Committed Knitters is a knitting and crochet circle that meets on the University of Chicago campus at the Arts Incubator. They usually meet on Wednesday afternoons from 11 am to 3pm. It is led by Dr. Alva Batey-Stepancic. She has gone above and beyond to create a warm and welcoming environment. Although I generally work during the week during this time, I am still a member of Committed Knitters. I do try to attend as many events as my work and school schedule will allow.

This was one of those events that I knew I simply could not miss.

Dr. Alva received an invitation for Committed Knitters to attend the Auditorium Acoustical Commissioning at the Obama Presidential Center on Friday, May 28^th, 2026, in the Elie Wiesel auditorium for a private performance by the Chicago Lyric Opera singers.

The Committed Knitters helped out tremendously with the Whitney Young High School 50^th anniversary yarn bombing project.

I literally cried during their performance of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” and “Amazing Grace.” The Obama Center was preparing for their grand opening on Juneteenth, Friday, June 18^th, 2026. The Chicago Lyric Opera singers were doing just a practice performance, but truth be told, they were more than ready for the stage. It was a sincere honor to be there. It was an honor to be a part of the Committed Knitters knitting circle. The Committed Knitters members wore their t shirts and took a group photo.

Thank you Dr. Alva and all the Committed Knitters! The Whitney Young High School yarn bombing would not have been a success without all of you!