The Obama Presidential Center Juneteeth Grand Opening Friday, June 19^th, 2026

I am a writer and words cannot describe how wonderful this day was! I was born on the South Side of Chicago and raised on both the West and South Sides of Chicago. People have spoken about needing an organization like the Obama Presidential Center for years. Now it is here!

I was supposed to be with my family on a bus tour, but when I learned that Story Studio Chicago was giving a writers workshop, I arrived in the area at 5:30 am, parked my car and walked around. It was a lot of positive energy. I dressed the part: Juneteenth t shirt, loc cap, black stretch pants, black shoes, carry along bag with African print and containing the following: notebook, pen, crochet hooks and red yarn.

I walked to Valois Restaurant and had an Obama special of steak and eggs. Then I walked back for the Story Studio and Art Institute of Chicago workshop. I took some amazing pictures. Again, words cannot even begin to describe how wonderful this has all been.

Congratulations to the Obamas! Thank you for all you do!