June 2026: Reflecting on the Obama Presidential Center tour, webinars, summits, and more!
Hey, Narrative Change Community!
A Message from the Editor, Maleia Tbileh of Public Narrative
Photo provided by Maleia Tbileh.
On May 13, 2026, Public Narrative was invited to tour the Obama Presidential Center ahead of its opening. As we entered, we were greeted by John Roberson, Incoming Executive Vice President to the Obama Foundation, who welcomed us with a heart-warming message: “This center is a love letter to Chicago.” He went on to share that there were tissue boxes throughout the exhibits because visitors might find themselves emotional.
I smiled at the invitation, and moments later, found myself fighting tears at the very first exhibit.
As I navigated the 4 floors of exhibits, ranging from Barack and Michelle’s story in Chicago to America’s history at large, the emotions continued to flow.
The emotion wasn't nostalgia for a perfect past. Even in moments we remember as hopeful, many people still endured hardship, exclusion, uncertainty, and worse. Yet standing there, I was reminded of a time that felt more connected to possibility, to community, and to a shared belief in one another. Hope felt larger than life.
Today, as we celebrate Juneteenth, at the same time many immigrant communities continue to navigate questions of belonging and dignity. I find myself returning to the concept of Ubuntu: I am because we are.
Regardless of our backgrounds, lived experiences, or nationalities, our stories are interconnected. Our freedom is interconnected. Our humanity is interconnected.
Since joining Public Narrative, I’ve been afforded the opportunity to see behind the stories - the people, families, neighborhoods, and the hope for something better. Something we create for the betterment of us all, because when we’re all doing good, we are all doing good (Mia Birdsong). Community storytelling helps us see one another more clearly. And perhaps that is where hope lives…not in perfection, but in our willingness to remain connected, to elevate voices, and to continue imagining a future that belongs to us all.
In his 2017 farewell address, President Barack Obama said, “I’m asking you to believe. Not in my ability to bring about change - but in yours.” Because of the work and dedication I’ve witnessed from Chicago’s media outlets and the ecosystem of people within and around them, I still believe. Yes, we can.
Maleia Tbileh
Digital Engagement Manager
Public Narrative
Where To Find Gender Affirming Care Near Cicero: An Online Guide and Map
A Guide from Cicero Indepiendente // Illustration by Robin Carnilius
South Shore resident Carlos Nash poses for a photo on Friday, June 12, 2026 in Woodlawn, outside the Jackson Park Terrace apartments across the street from the Obama Presidential Center. Credit: Zoey Duchene/Block Club Chicago
As Obama Center Opens, South Siders Hope Global Destination Will Serve The Neighborhood // Block Club Chicago
“Hope,” like the Obama campaign slogan, is a common feeling for nearby residents awaiting this week’s opening. Others question what community benefits will come with the global destination.
Read more: As Obama Center Opens, South Siders Hope Global Destination Will Serve The Neighborhood
State Legislative Session Ends with $56B Budget, and New Taxes on Social Media Companies, Crypto, and Fantasy Sports // South Side Weekly
Illinois lawmakers approved the state budget early Monday morning after slogging through the night, enacting new taxes on businesses and authorizing less spending than what Governor JB Pritzker proposed in February.
Susana Mendoza is running for mayor of Chicago to unseat Brandon Johnson // La Raza
Acknowledging that she learned from running for mayor of Chicago and losing (in 2019), Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza, of Mexican descent, threw her hat into the ring for the upcoming 2027 Chicago mayoral election.
Read more: Susana Mendoza is running for mayor of Chicago to unseat Brandon Johnson
Development Communications Manager // Chicago Public Library Foundation
Director of Development & Communications // Asian Mental Health Collective
Development Manager // City Bureau
Bilingual Community Organizer // Shift Change
Administrative Projects Coordinator // Sixty Inches From Center
June 23: Webinar: Toxic Evidence in the Courtroom // Injustice Watch
Join Injustice Watch on June 23 from 5:30-7 p.m. CT for a webinar about forensic science oversight in Illinois. The conversation will be moderated by Injustice Watch senior reporter Maya Dukmasova.
June 26: Medill Solutions Journalism Summer Summit //Medill School of Journalism
This one‑day (11 a.m.-5 p.m.) solutions journalism summit brings together researchers and data journalists to help the news media move from merely documenting harm to rigorously covering responses to systemic injustice. Registration is free but required.
July 15: Beat Academy: Midterm Prep Webinar // Poynter Institute
During this live 75-minute webinar on July 15 at 11 a.m., participants will learn alongside peers from across the country, guided by Jon Greenberg (Beat Academy lead faculty), Caryn Baird (Poynter news researcher), and Amy Sherman (PolitiFact senior correspondent). Attendees will receive practical tip sheets, reporting resources, and real-world strategies designed to help journalists cover the midterm election with depth, accuracy and confidence.
July 16: America @ 250: A Journalism Reckoning // Field Foundation
Chicago’s entire journalism ecosystem is invited for an evening of honest conversation reflecting on journalism’s past, reckoning with journalism’s present, and reimagining its future. Join the Field Foundation on Thursday, July 16th, at Impact House (200 W Madison St.) from 6-9 p.m.
Add your organization’s event to PN’s new Chicago Local Media Events Calendar!
