| Hi there, In Chicago and around the world, members of the Obama Foundation network are working to make their communities safer, brighter, and more welcoming places. We’re proud to spotlight some of their stories on Obama.org, and we want to make sure you don’t miss the chance to get some inspiration from these incredible individuals. Read on to hear their stories, then visit Obama.org and follow us on social media to stay connected. |
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Scholar Profile: Obama Scholar advocates for youth mental health |
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DeKevious Wilson, a 2022-2023 Obama Foundation Scholar at the University of Chicago, is the regional manager of a mentoring and counseling program for young men in Chicago called Becoming a Man (BAM).
DeKevious’s own path was shaped by mentorship, and now he is working to offer that same guidance to the next generation. Through his work, he has co-created spaces and events for young men to learn responsible decision-making, practice their social cognitive skills, and expose them to life and career opportunities after high school.
Learn more about DeKevious’s work and his involvement in the Scholars program here. |
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Artist Spotlight: The Obama Presidential Center mural |
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If you drive by the Obama Presidential Center construction site, you will now see a mural dedicated to the South and West sides of Chicago that was created in partnership between local artist Brandon Breaux and a group of students attending Dyett High School for the Arts.
Brandon, whose love for art began as a young child, describes the mural as a “collage of our collected experiences” and hopes that it will provide a glimmer of hope to those who need it most.
Read more about the process of creating the mural and the artist behind it here. |
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Alumni Feature: Meet the Obama alum championing disability rights for all |
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Obama Administration alum Rebecca Cokley has been championing disability rights her entire career. Rebecca and her parents have dwarfism, and she says that their activism taught her the importance of pushing for equality for all.
Rebecca joined President Obama’s campaign in 2008 and went on to work in the Department of Education. Now, she serves as the first U.S. Disability Rights Program Officer for the Ford Foundation.
Learn more about Rebecca’s inspiring story and her critical work here. |
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