Politics

Illinois Clears Major Hurdle for Obama Library in Chicago

Published

10 years ago

May 2, 2015

President Barack Obama speaks at Anacostia Library in Washington, Thursday, April 30, 2015, as he participates in a live “virtual field trip” with middle school students to announce two initiatives to improve education through digital connectivity. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

Sophia Tareen, ASSOCIATED PRESS

CHICAGO (AP) — One of the remaining obstacles to building Barack Obama’s presidential library in his hometown of Chicago fell away when Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner signed legislation Friday strengthening the city’s legal ability to build the project on public park land.

The decision to locate the legacy project where Obama started his political career wasn’t a surprise. But it hit snags when the University of Chicago initially failed to secure park land and when an advocacy group objected and threatened a lawsuit like one it filed to stop lakefront construction on “Star Wars” creator George Lucas’ proposed museum.

The measure, which Rauner said would benefit the city and state, changes Illinois law to let Chicago build museums on park or “formerly submerged” land, such as the Lake Michigan-adjacent property where Lucas wants to build.

“Both of those developments will be strong economic drivers for the state of Illinois,” Rauner told reporters during a Friday stop in southwest Illinois, “helping the overall Illinois economy as well as the Chicago economy with tourism and visitors, and help create jobs and more tax revenue.”

Obama’s library will be built on Chicago’s South Side, where the University of Chicago has proposed two potential sites not far from the Obama family’s home. The Barack Obama Foundation, which was deciding between university bids in Illinois, Hawaii and New York, was expected to release details within weeks. Two people with knowledge of the decision confirmed to The Associated Press that Chicago had been chosen. They spoke on condition of anonymity because it hasn’t been publicly announced.

The office of Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Obama’s former White House chief of staff, declined to comment ahead of an official announcement, as did the University of Chicago and University of Hawaii. Columbia University officials in New York didn’t immediately comment.

Friends of the Parks, which filed the lawsuit to stop construction of the Lucas museum, said they welcomed Chicago as a choice for the Obama library. But they urged against using park land, saying it could set a dangerous precedent. Before the Illinois legislation emerged — which legislators fast-tracked last month — Friends of the Parks argued the Lucas museum site was a protected waterway.

They said they were considering a similar lawsuit regarding the library. However, the group didn’t mention it Friday.

“We admire your record as a champion of the environment, including the park system in your home town,” the group said in a statement directed at Obama. “Please leave us the double legacy of a world class library and world class parks.”

The group’s objections have stood out among residents, activists and clergy members who largely agree that Chicago wins no matter where the library’s built. Supporters of a location on the South Side — home to historically significant black neighborhoods — called it ideal for the library of the nation’s first black president.

Bishop Larry Trotter of the roughly 10,000-member Sweet Holy Spirit Church, likened it to a “monument” of hope. U.S. Rep. Bobby Rush, a Chicago Democrat, called the library a “significant milestone” for Chicago in an audio statement. Bernita Johnson-Gabriel, head of a neighborhood organization, deemed it a “catalytic” opportunity to generate jobs and create new businesses for area residents.

“This is a wonderful, wonderful opportunity for young people who I’m sure wonder on a daily basis why their community doesn’t have the same amenities as other communities,” she said.

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Associated Press writer Josh Lederman in Washington, Alan Scher Zagier in Belleville, Illinois, and Sara Burnett in Chicago, contributed to this report.

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Follow Sophia Tareen at http://twitter.com/sophiatareen.

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Oakland Post: Week of May 28 – June 30, 2025

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of May 28 – June 3, 2025

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May 30, 2025

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The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of May 21 – 27, 2025

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May 25, 2025

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OPINION: Your Voice and Vote Impact the Quality of Your Health Care

One of the most dangerous developments we’re seeing now? Deep federal cuts are being proposed to Medicaid, the life-saving health insurance program that covers nearly 80 million lower-income individuals nationwide. That is approximately 15 million Californians and about 1 million of the state’s nearly 3 million Black Californians who are at risk of losing their healthcare.

Published

2 weeks ago

May 19, 2025

Oakland Post

Rhonda M. Smith.

By Rhonda M. Smith, Special to California Black Media Partners

Shortly after last year’s election, I hopped into a Lyft and struck up a conversation with the driver. As we talked, the topic inevitably turned to politics. He confidently told me that he didn’t vote — not because he supported Donald Trump, but because he didn’t like Kamala Harris’ résumé. When I asked what exactly he didn’t like, he couldn’t specifically articulate his dislike or point to anything specific. In his words, he “just didn’t like her résumé.”

That moment really hit hard for me. As a Black woman, I’ve lived through enough election cycles to recognize how often uncertainty, misinformation, or political apathy keep people from voting, especially Black voters whose voices are historically left out of the conversation and whose health, economic security, and opportunities are directly impacted by the individual elected to office, and the legislative branches and political parties that push forth their agenda.

That conversation with the Lyft driver reflects a troubling surge in fear-driven politics across our country. We’ve seen White House executive orders gut federal programs meant to help our most vulnerable populations and policies that systematically exclude or harm Black and underserved communities.

One of the most dangerous developments we’re seeing now? Deep federal cuts are being proposed to Medicaid, the life-saving health insurance program that covers nearly 80 million lower-income individuals nationwide. That is approximately 15 million Californians and about 1 million of the state’s nearly 3 million Black Californians who are at risk of losing their healthcare.

Medicaid, called Medi-Cal in California, doesn’t just cover care. It protects individuals and families from medical debt, keeps rural hospitals open, creates jobs, and helps our communities thrive. Simply put; Medicaid is a lifeline for 1 in 5 Black Americans. For many, it’s the only thing standing between them and a medical emergency they can’t afford, especially with the skyrocketing costs of health care. The proposed cuts mean up to 7.2 million Black Americans could lose their healthcare coverage, making it harder for them to receive timely, life-saving care. Cuts to Medicaid would also result in fewer prenatal visits, delayed cancer screenings, unfilled prescriptions, and closures of community clinics. When healthcare is inaccessible or unaffordable, it doesn’t just harm individuals, it weakens entire communities and widens inequities.

The reality is Black Americans already face disproportionately higher rates of poorer health outcomes. Our life expectancy is nearly five years shorter in comparison to White Americans. Black pregnant people are 3.6 times more likely to die during pregnancy or postpartum than their white counterparts.

These policies don’t happen in a vacuum. They are determined by who holds power and who shows up to vote. Showing up amplifies our voices. Taking action and exercising our right to vote is how we express our power.

I urge you to start today. Call your representatives, on both sides of the aisle, and demand they protect Medicaid (Medi-Cal), the Affordable Care Act (Covered CA), and access to food assistance programs, maternal health resources, mental health services, and protect our basic freedoms and human rights. Stay informed, talk to your neighbors and register to vote.

About the Author

Rhonda M. Smith is the Executive Director of the California Black Health Network, a statewide nonprofit dedicated to advancing health equity for all Black Californians.