On Wednesday, the Chicago City Council voted unanimously to approve agreements between Chicago and the Obama Foundation to green-light the construction of the Obama Presidential Center and Museum in the city.
The Obama Foundation said the agreements state it can utilize approximately 19 acres of Jackson Park to build the Obama Center.
One of the major roadblocks the museum faces, however, is a lawsuit from an environmental organization named Protect Our Parks. The group claimed the city of Chicago doesn’t have the authority to use public territory to develop a private building.
“Michelle and I could not be prouder or more excited to bring the Center to the South Side, a community that has given us both so much,” former President Barack Obama, whose political career began in Chicago, stated in a video message on Wednesday.
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“And we look forward to continuing our work with our neighborhoods and friends across the City to build this Center. To make it a centerpiece where young people can come and learn about their history, learn about how they can get involved, learn how their voice has power, find out ways in which they can have a positive impact on their communities,” he added.
The Obamas have been busy in recent weeks urging people to vote in next week’s midterm elections. Barack Obama has even endorsed several Democratic candidates and criticized President Donald Trump and Republican lawmakers for lying and sowing fear and division.
Michelle Obama, meanwhile, is soon set to start a tour for her upcoming book Becoming, which is due for release on Nov. 13.
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