Michelle Obama Hopes Center ‘Changes the Trajectory’ of People from the Place She Called Home

The Obamas thank stakeholders ahead of the Obama Presidential Center Grand Opening Ceremony on Thursday, which will feature artists Bruce Springsteen, Jennifer Hudson, U2’s Bono and others.

President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama speak onstage at a stakeholders event at the Obama Presidential Center on June 16, 2026, in Chicago, Illinois. The Obama Presidential Center will officially open on June 18. (Credit: Pablo Martinez Monsivais/Getty Images)