The Bears were honored to participate in last weekend's grand opening of the Obama Presidential Center in Jackson Park on the South Side of Chicago.
The Obama Presidential Center, which honors former President Barack Obama, is located on a 19-acre campus and features a four-story museum, Home Court athletic center, a Chicago Public Library branch and public gardens. While the museum requires an admittance fee, the campus grounds and library are free to the public.
The Bears took part in activities Saturday at Home Court, a sprawling 60,000-square foot athletic and events space highlighted by an NBA-regulation sized basketball court. Home Court was designed to strengthen the community and motivate people of all ages. It offers programs inspired by President Obama's belief in the power of sports, mentorship and connection.
"It's honestly a true moment of inspiration to have the Bears be a part of this historical moment," said Linnae Harper, the Obama Center's manager of athletics and sports leadership. "We've had thousands of people come into Home Court to engage in sports and community but most importantly to celebrate hope. This is a very hopeful moment for community members who have never had an opportunity to see beyond their neighborhoods. For us, we're grateful for the partnership with the Bears and we're looking forward to what's to come."
During Saturday's festivities, the Bears operated an obstacle course at Home Court, with participants running over and between mats and throwing a football into a hole that was part of an inflatable featuring an image of tight end Colston Loveland. The organization also distributed free necklaces, books and other items in the community room and fan zone.
"It's really an honor to be here during the opening of the Obama Presidential Center," said Mallorie Sanders, Bears DEI and social impact programs manager. "Especially with it being Juneteenth weekend, there was no better time to do it. We're so happy to be here and connecting in the community."
Sanders described the Obama Presidential Center as "unbelievable" and "breathtaking."
"It's one of those things you have to see for yourself," she said. "To have Home Court here serving the community, the museum, the playground, there's so much here for all [Chicagoans], and it's really special that we have access to it."
The obstacle course was manned by Bears staffers, volunteers from local girls flag football teams and former Bears players Wendell Davis and Mickey Pruitt.
"It's beyond words," Davis, a Bears receiver from 1988-93, said about the Presidential Center. "It's just exciting to know that this is located on the South Side of Chicago. It brings a lot of hope. It's a place where people can come and be themselves and dream. To see people here smiling and laughing, it's just great. I'm really enjoying it."
No one enjoyed Saturday's visit more than a Pruitt, a Bears linebacker from 1988-90 who grew up on Chicago's South Side.
"The grounds here are unbelievable," he said. "It's great to have this in the city. It will bring a lot of people here from outside Chicago, but it's also something that the kids from the South Side can come to. They don't have to drive 500 miles or 1,000 miles to go to another [presidential center]. They have one right here.
"The Bears do a great job in the community and it's wonderful that they're here supporting the Obama Center and doing things for the kids and the families here."
Kade Simmons, a lifelong Bears fan and South Side resident, attended Saturday's event with his wife and their two young sons.
"This is part of our city, part of our neighborhood," he said. "Being here with my boys and being able to celebrate with the community is fantastic. Watching this come up and having it manifest, it's a diamond in the rough. I love it and the opportunity it's going to create for the community."
The Obama Presidential Center opened last Thursday with a grandiose opening ceremony that was livestreamed globally and highlighted by powerful speeches delivered by former President Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama.
Musical performers included Bruce Springsteen, Christina Aguilera, Common, Eddie Vedder, Guitars Over Guns, Jennifer Hudson, John Legend, Marc Anthony, Stevie Wonder, Tems, The Roots, U2's Bono and The Edge, and Uniting Voices Chicago.
The Presidential Museum explores the legacy of the Obamas and the power of democracy with interactive exhibits, including a replica of the Oval Office. The Chicago Public Library branch features a Presidential Reading room curated by Barack Obama and a dedicated children's area. Outdoor spaces include the John Lewis Plaza, a fruit and vegetable garden, and the Women's Garden.
"We wanted the center to be a vibrant, living celebration of community," said former President Obama, "where we can learn together and share the joys of art and music and sport and play, because it's in those moments that we're reminded of our common humanity and strengthen the bonds of trust that not only make our lives richer, but make our democracy stronger."
