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This Thursday (June 18), the Obama Presidential Center will host its grand opening at the John Lewis Plaza in Chicago's Jackson Park, featuring a star-studded lineup of performers. Among the entertainers are Bruce Springsteen and Stevie Wonder, alongside Jennifer Hudson, Marc Anthony, Common, Christina Aguilera, and Bono and The Edge from U2.
The Obama Foundation announced the lineup on Tuesday, promising a ceremony "filled with music, performances, and hope," as stated by CEO Valerie Jarrett. The event will kick off at 11 a.m. and will be live-streamed on various platforms, including the Obama Foundation’s website, TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook accounts.
The grand opening marks the official dedication of the center, which aims to inspire people globally to create change. The center is expected to bring jobs, tourism, and new investments to Chicago's South Side. However, concerns about rising rents and property values have been voiced by local residents, fearing displacement due to gentrification.
The Chicago City Council has passed the Jackson Park Housing Pilot Ordinance to prevent displacement, giving tenants the right of first refusal to purchase their buildings and mandating extended lease notices. Despite these efforts, some residents remain skeptical about the effectiveness of these measures.
The Obama Presidential Center, which opens to the public on Friday (June 19), will feature a weekend of events, including performances, art activities, and more. Although museum tickets for the opening weekend are sold out, the rest of the campus remains accessible to the public. For more information on the event schedule, visit the Obama Foundation's website.