ΟΒΑΜΑ's latest

Hello,  As of June 2, 2022, nearly three dozen boys and young men under the age of 19 were murdered this year in Chicago. As is the case for many cities nationwide, this number is expected to surge over the summer months. In fact, according to the University of Chicago Crime Lab, in Chicago, there are about twice as many shootings on days over 85 degrees as there are on days under 50 degrees. The same is true for many cities across the country.  Each of these occurrences is a devastating blow to the lives of each victim, their family, their friends, and their community. As the Executive Director of the My Brother’s Keeper Alliance, I am committed to ensuring boys and young men of color recognize the full value of their potential. Likewise, I’m committed to ensuring we, the role models, teachers, and community leaders of this young generation, take an active interest in the safety, engagement, and protection of our boys. In that spirit, I am pleased to announce the My Brother’s Keeper Alliance’s Freedom Summer 2022, a national call to action for communities to create safe spaces for boys and young men of color during the summer months. Freedom Summer 2022 is an opportunity for individuals, community organizers and organizations to develop creative ways to keep our children engaged and off of the streets this summer.  No endeavor is too small! We’re calling for all hands on deck in turning the tide on youth violence.   Have a love for art? Start a neighborhood mural for youth to design, paint and upkeep.   Love sports? Host a summer sports tournament for boys and young men.   Own a barbershop? Facilitate a weekly summer series where men within your city and community share their stories and build stronger bonds with your youth.  Freedom Summer 2022 kicks off with a virtual town hall on Thursday, June 23, 2022 from 3:00-4:30pm ET. The Freedom Summer 2022 Town Hall is our way of assembling and unifying those ready to take action against youth violence. During the town hall, I will discuss the impetus, importance, and purpose of Freedom Summer 2022. In addition, attendees will meet a panel of young men committed to leading the charge of reducing violence in their communities and will learn more about a model community organization, which consistently and effectively meets the needs of its youth. You don’t want to miss it! Registration is open now via the link below! We hope to see you—and your community—there!  In hope and faith,  —Adren Dr. Adren Wilson Executive Director, My Brother’s Keeper Alliance    REGISTER NOW

Hi there, President Obama has always believed that it’s up to all of us to meet our common challenges and that the most impactful change comes from people coming together to take action. Those beliefs guide what we do at the Obama Foundation to inspire, empower, and connect young leaders around the world.  As the head of our global programming, I have the privilege of leading our work to support changemakers from across the world. Our global programs bolster emerging leaders who are working to address the biggest challenges of our time with values-based approaches rooted in the legacy of the Obamas.    Over the past five years, the Obama Foundation has welcomed more than 700 of these amazing leaders into our network, many of whom are on the front lines driving rising social movements, addressing systemic gaps, working to increase institutional transparency and trust, and empowering communities. I’m so excited that nearly 60 of our European Leaders are meeting in person for the first time in Copenhagen June 8-11. The energy here is palpable, as they connect and drive opportunities for sharing and collaboration. While here, they will attend the Copenhagen Democracy Summit, where President Obama and some of our emerging leaders from across Europe will close out the convening on Friday, June 10 at 9am CT, with a special discussion on stage entitled “Democratic Organizing in the Digital Age.”  You won’t want to miss it! The event will be streamed live here.   The next day, President Obama and our leaders will roll up their sleeves in a daylong workshop exploring the challenges they face, opportunities they’re seeing, and where the Foundation can help support them as they seek to strengthen democratic institutions and promote civic engagement. At a time when democracy is under threat around the world, we need leaders who can bridge divides and build diverse coalitions to stand as examples of change that can be accomplished through democratic action.  This group is doing just that. Thanks for joining us.    —Laura Laura Lucas Magnuson Executive Vice President, Global Programs  Obama Foundation

Donate to empower rising leaders bringing hope to their communities. DONATE