As we gather with family and friends this holiday season, I want to offer some thoughts on what this year has meant to me and invite you to
explore highlights from the Obama Foundation’s work in 2021.After the year we’ve had, it feels especially important to reflect on just how far we’ve come as individuals, as communities, and as a society—as well as how far we still have to go.
While we have plenty of hard work ahead of us, Michelle and I are encouraged by the stories of progress that came from 2021—especially the example set by a new generation of young leaders. This year, I got a chance to meet some of them.
In Glasgow, I heard from passionate activists who are demanding real, lasting action in response to the climate crisis. In Chicago, I sat down with inspiring young students and community leaders to talk about how they’re working to protect and improve their communities. And no matter where I went or who I met with, every single person held an unshakeable belief that things can and will get better if we put in the work.
These leaders—and many more like them—kept me going this year. And they reaffirmed why Michelle and I started the Obama Foundation: to inspire, empower, and connect people so they can change the world. It’s why we’re giving hope a new home base on Chicago’s South Side with the Obama Presidential Center. And it’s why we were able to make so much progress during another challenging year.
If you haven’t already, I encourage you to take a look at the work that came out of the Foundation over the past year. You’ll see highlights from our Road to Groundbreaking, global programming, fundraising efforts, and more.
Finally, I want to thank you for your energy and interest in the Foundation. At a difficult time, you’ve helped make a real difference, and I am deeply grateful.
—Barack
