Citizen Stories with StoryCorps: Recent Episodes
Obama Foundation
Leader, activist, and former White House staffer Julie Chávez Rodriguez recounts the day Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) was announced to the world.
Lawrence Jackson, former White House photographer, reflects on the 50th anniversary of Selma by Obama Foundation
Willa Marie Fox Burton, a long time South Side Chicago community member, discusses what she hopes to see at the upcoming Obama Presidential Center.
Patrician Haywood, a South Side Chicago community member, shares her excitement around the upcoming Obama Presidential Center.
Melanie Moore, a South Side Chicago community member, shares her thoughts and hopes for the upcoming Obama Presidential Center.
Lori Healey, senior vice president and executive project officer at the Obama Presidential Center, explains how the Center’s design and architecture reflect the values and mission.
Dr. Louise Bernard, director of the museum of the Obama Presidential Center, shares more about what visitors will experience at the Museum.
David Reynolds, vice president of operations at the Obama Presidential Center, shares more about the Center’s sustainability.
This audio track is a part of a larger story on Kori Coleman, 2023 United States Leader. Read the full article on Obama.org.
This audio track is a part of a larger story on Daniel Fairley II, 2023 United States Leader. Read the full article on Obama.org.
This audio track is a part of a larger story on Daniel Fairley II, 2023 United States Leader. Read the full article on Obama.org.
In honor of Latinx Heritage month, we sat down with Mateo Zapata, a Chicago-based photographer documenting the public health crisis, the ways it is disproportionately affecting his community, and the systemic inequality it has brought to light. We spoke about how his heritage has influenced his work, and the message he hopes young people take from his images—that when the world stopped, it was people of color who kept it turning. This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
In honor of Latinx Heritage month, we sat down with Mateo Zapata, a Chicago-based photographer documenting the public health crisis, the ways it is disproportionately affecting his community, and the systemic inequality it has brought to light. We spoke about how his heritage has influenced his work, and the message he hopes young people take from his images—that when the world stopped, it was people of color who kept it turning. This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
Jessica B. shares her memories from Inauguration Day 2009. She was studying abroad in Geneva at the time.
In honor of Latinx Heritage month, we sat down with Mateo Zapata, a Chicago-based photographer documenting the public health crisis, the ways it is disproportionately affecting his community, and the systemic inequality it has brought to light. We spoke about how his heritage has influenced his work, and the message he hopes young people take from his images—that when the world stopped, it was people of color who kept it turning. This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
In honor of Latinx Heritage month, we sat down with Mateo Zapata, a Chicago-based photographer documenting the public health crisis, the ways it is disproportionately affecting his community, and the systemic inequality it has brought to light. We spoke about how his heritage has influenced his work, and the message he hopes young people take from his images—that when the world stopped, it was people of color who kept it turning. This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
In honor of Latinx Heritage month, we sat down with Mateo Zapata, a Chicago-based photographer documenting the public health crisis, the ways it is disproportionately affecting his community, and the systemic inequality it has brought to light. We spoke about how his heritage has influenced his work, and the message he hopes young people take from his images—that when the world stopped, it was people of color who kept it turning. This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
During an especially grueling summer, we spent a month capturing a glimpse of Pastor Tracey Lee’s day-to-day life as a violence interrupter, a pastor, and a supermom. Across several weeks, we witnessed the faith, love, and unyielding hope this young Black woman brought to her community in Englewood, as she worked to make our City, Chicago, safer.
During an especially grueling summer, we spent a month capturing a glimpse of Pastor Tracey Lee’s day-to-day life as a violence interrupter, a pastor, and a supermom. Across several weeks, we witnessed the faith, love, and unyielding hope this young Black woman brought to her community in Englewood, as she worked to make our City, Chicago, safer.
During an especially grueling summer, we spent a month capturing a glimpse of Pastor Tracey Lee’s day-to-day life as a violence interrupter, a pastor, and a supermom. Across several weeks, we witnessed the faith, love, and unyielding hope this young Black woman brought to her community in Englewood, as she worked to make our City, Chicago, safer.
During an especially grueling summer, we spent a month capturing a glimpse of Pastor Tracey Lee’s day-to-day life as a violence interrupter, a pastor, and a supermom. Across several weeks, we witnessed the faith, love, and unyielding hope this young Black woman brought to her community in Englewood, as she worked to make our City, Chicago, safer.
his month marks 60 years since the original 13 Freedom Riders--among them, a 21-year-old John Lewis--set out on two buses from Washington, D.C. to challenge the segregation of public transportation. In the weeks following their May 4, 1961 departure, the Freedom Riders were threatened, arrested, and attacked by violent mobs throughout the Deep South. They attracted the attention of the nation and the world, inspiring hundreds more riders from across the country to join their movement and in Mississippi that summer. To mark this anniversary, the Obama Foundation spoke with veterans of the Freedom Rides. In this clip, hear from Joan Mulholland.
This month marks 60 years since the original 13 Freedom Riders--among them, a 21-year-old John Lewis--set out on two buses from Washington, D.C. to challenge the segregation of public transportation. In the weeks following their May 4, 1961 departure, the Freedom Riders were threatened, arrested, and attacked by violent mobs throughout the Deep South. They attracted the attention of the nation and the world, inspiring hundreds more riders from across the country to join their movement and in Mississippi that summer. To mark this anniversary, the Obama Foundation spoke with veterans of the Freedom Rides. In this clip, hear from Luvaghn Brown.
This month marks 60 years since the original 13 Freedom Riders--among them, a 21-year-old John Lewis--set out on two buses from Washington, D.C. to challenge the segregation of public transportation. In the weeks following their May 4, 1961 departure, the Freedom Riders were threatened, arrested, and attacked by violent mobs throughout the Deep South. They attracted the attention of the nation and the world, inspiring hundreds more riders from across the country to join their movement and in Mississippi that summer. To mark this anniversary, the Obama Foundation spoke with veterans of the Freedom Rides. In this clip, hear from Catherine Burks-Brooks.
Mrs. Obama extends heartfelt thanks to the many healthcare workers in Chicago who are on the frontlines, working around the clock to treat patients and save lives during the time of COVID-19. "You all embody the very best of who we are and I know we will get through this crisis because of you," said Mrs. Obama in a recorded message shared with hospitals across the city of Chicago. Listen to her message here.
President Obama discusses the importance of MBK Alliance's work across the country, during a conference call on April 24, 2020. "If we can give them a hand up, if we can give them mentorship and tools and interventions and resources and love and support, not only can they succeed for themselves, but our communities and our country will be stronger for it," President Obama said to hundreds of MBK Alliance community members and youth. Listen to excerpts from the call.
President Obama emphasizes the importance of community leaders coming together to combat the impacts of the global pandemic, during a conference call on April 15, 2020. "It's about providing hope, perspective, and sound plans for moving forward," President Obama said to 100 Chicago community leaders and South Side residents. Listen to excerpts from the call.
President Obama recognizes the important work of faith leaders across the country to keep our communities safe during a conference call on April 9, 2020. “Now more than ever though, engaging with our community is vital,” President Obama said to leaders of the faith community. Listen to excerpts from the call.
Living outside of Paris at the time, Evelyn C. shares her memories from election night in 2008.
Jared M. reflects on then-Senator Obama's announcement of candidacy for the US Presidency in Springfield, IL.
Graça Machel, Thulisile Madonsela, and Bogolo Kenewendo pariticpate in a session on “Leadership in the Face of Adversity” moderated by Nozipho Mbanjwa as part of the Obama Foundation Leaders: Africa program in Johannesburg, South Africa on July 16, 2018.
President Obama is traveling to Germany to join Chancellor Angela Merkel for a conversation about civic participation at the iconic Brandenburg Gate in Berlin.
They won’t be alone: President Obama and Chancellor Merkel will be joined by four inspiring young civic leaders -- two from Mannheim, Germany, and two from Chicago.
We spent time with these inspiring young people — teacher Sierra Sims and actress Imani Abernathy from the South Side of Chicago and social worker Filiz Kuyucu and student Benedikt Wichtlhuber from Mannheim — learning more about their lives, their communities, and what civic engagement at a local and global level means to them. We were inspired to get to know them, and you will be too. Check out parts of those conversations.
President Obama is traveling to Germany to join Chancellor Angela Merkel for a conversation about civic participation at the iconic Brandenburg Gate in Berlin.
They won’t be alone: President Obama and Chancellor Merkel will be joined by four inspiring young civic leaders — two from Mannheim, Germany, and two from Chicago.
We spent time with these inspiring young people — teacher Sierra Sims and actress Imani Abernathy from the South Side of Chicago and social worker Filiz Kuyucu and student Benedikt Wichtlhuber from Mannheim — learning more about their lives, their communities, and what civic engagement at a local and global level means to them. We were inspired to get to know them, and you will be too. Check out parts of those conversations.
President Obama is traveling to Germany to join Chancellor Angela Merkel for a conversation about civic participation at the iconic Brandenburg Gate in Berlin.
They won’t be alone: President Obama and Chancellor Merkel will be joined by four inspiring young civic leaders — two from Mannheim, Germany, and two from Chicago.
We spent time with these inspiring young people — teacher Sierra Sims and actress Imani Abernathy from the South Side of Chicago and social worker Filiz Kuyucu and student Benedikt Wichtlhuber from Mannheim — learning more about their lives, their communities, and what civic engagement at a local and global level means to them. We were inspired to get to know them, and you will be too. Check out parts of those conversations.
President Obama is traveling to Germany to join Chancellor Angela Merkel for a conversation about civic participation at the iconic Brandenburg Gate in Berlin.
They won’t be alone: President Obama and Chancellor Merkel will be joined by four inspiring young civic leaders — two from Mannheim, Germany, and two from Chicago.
We spent time with these inspiring young people — teacher Sierra Sims and actress Imani Abernathy from the South Side of Chicago and social worker Filiz Kuyucu and student Benedikt Wichtlhuber from Mannheim — learning more about their lives, their communities, and what civic engagement at a local and global level means to them. We were inspired to get to know them, and you will be too. Check out parts of those conversations.
In January 2013, Cleopatra Cowley-Pendleton's 15-year-old daughter Hadiya Pendleton was shot and killed in a random act of gun violence on Chicago's South Side. The week prior to her death, Hadiya had marched in President Obama's second inauguration parade as a drum majorette. When First Lady Michelle Obama learned of Hadiya's tragic death, she reached out to the family.
Al and Marilyn Quiroz grew up in the Pullman Park District of Chicago. They've been married 56 years. They remember Barack Obama as a young advocate borrowing a desk at their local church, and talk about what it meant to them that Obama made Pullman Park a national monument.
Dahkota Brown speaks with his brother, Dahlton, about being bullied as a third grader because of his native background, and how this inspired him to become an activist for representation and education. At 17 he was the youngest person ever appointed to the President's education advisory committee for Native youth.
Regina Jimenez tells her husband Edgardo about her struggle with life-threatening illnesses since age 12. She worked 60-hour weeks to pay her medical bills until the Affordable Care Act passed in 2010.
Maday Martinez talks with her friend Marvin Centeno about fleeing Cuba as a baby, and returning 22 years later once diplomatic relations were restored under President Obama.
Aria Peleaz and her mom, Jenna, talk about entering - and winning - the First Lady's recipe contest with their Fish Taco with Barack-a-mole and Mi-Kale-Obama-Slaw. They attended the Kids State Dinner at the White House and since then have been committed to healthy eating and encouraging other kids to do the same.
Known as "the First Barber", Zariff has been cutting President Obama's hair for over 20 years. He speaks to Ishmael Alamin—the owner of the Hyde Park barbershop in Chicago where he works—about the origin of the "Obama look" and what the President Obama's election has meant to the local community.
Maxine Jolly and Al Jacoby met in 2009 while working for the Deconstruction Work Services Training Program in Chicago, a green job program funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). Maxine is recovering from addiction and spent time in prison, and had been unable to find work until that point. Al gained a job as Maxine's supervisor thanks to the program.
Radcliff Sadler and his brother Theodore are teenagers who immigrated to New York as young children from Jamaica. They talk about how Radcliffe came to attend Pathways In Technology Early College High School (P-Tech), a public high school in a low-income area of Brooklyn, where students receive an education in computer science and complete two years of college work, graduating with a Associates Degree. Radcliffe was selected to introduce President Obama when he came to visit the school in October 2013.
Lilly Ledbetter filed a wage discrimination suit against the Goodyear Tire Company upon discovering she was making 40% less than male peers. Her unsuccessful suit led to the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009.
In 2013, Kathy Patterson & Stacey Schuett received a new microloan developed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Farm Service Agency under President Obama. They talk about how that loan helped their business to grow.