Former US president Barack Obama and his family led the inauguration of a presidential center in Chicago on Friday to cement the legacies of his eight-year administration, with the former United States leader hoping that the center would spark inspiration for a new generation of leaders for a brighter future.
The former president and his wife, Michelle, were thrilled to open the presidential center at Jackson Park, the South Side in Chicago, where the two started their lives as a couple and their political careers.
‘Sweet home Chicago’
Obama opened his speech by greeting his hometown, “sweet home Chicago,” and thanking the city for opening its doors to the construction of the campus.
The $850 million center sits on 200 acres of land, and includes a towering museum, a garden, a basketball court, and a new branch of the Chicago Public Library.
According to reports, it took more than a decade to build and was privately funded through the couple’s Obama Foundation.
Obama said that the presidential center was intended to be a “vibrant, living celebration of the community” where people can enjoy the outdoors and learn and instill history, arts, culture and camaraderie.
According to city officials, the center is expected to bolster local tourism, with projections of 750,000 to 1 million guests annually.
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Obama’s legacies and a jab at Trump
The Obamas delivered their speeches by centering on cooperation among communities, rejecting anti-immigration policies and pushing boundaries by allowing young leaders to take the stage in leadership grounded on honesty and transparency.
Michelle emphasized in her speech how her husband had managed to do “people’s work” over the course of his two-term administration, which led to ending a war, earning a Nobel Peace Prize and “listening to science.”
Some believe that her statements were an indirect jab against the current US president, Donald Trump, who was absent from the event.
As for Barack Obama, he urged the nation to remain optimistic and maintain its citizenship by helping one another, rejecting political cynicism, and staying anchored in true American values, especially at a time of uncertainty led by economic turmoil in the US.
A hefty list of guests
The inauguration of the Obama Presidential Center included a list of foreign dignitaries and past living US presidents who were close allies of Obama, as well as a roster of celebrities who have been vocal in supporting the former Democratic leader.
Among the high-level foreign guests who joined the Obamas were former German Chancellor Angela Merkel, former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, former Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi and former Mongolian Prime Minister Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj.
Obama was also joined by his predecessors, with former US presidents George W. Bush, Bill Clinton and Joe Biden making their appearance during the event.
Meanwhile, the ceremony also unveiled a star-studded list of performers, from Stevie Wonder, Bruce Springsteen, Christina Aguilera, Bono of U2, to John Legend and Jennifer Hudson.
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Carmela Calling 
James Mario Ajero