Chicago, get ready — change is no longer coming to the South Side. It’s here.
Over the past few years, residents have watched as the Obama Presidential Center (OPC) rose from the ground, transforming the skyline with a structure that now towers more than 220 feet. What was once a construction site has become a powerful symbol of possibility — and now, opportunity.
That opportunity comes in the form of 150 new jobs for Chicagoans.
At a time when employment rates have declined sharply for Black women and people in general across multiple industries, the announcement brings renewed hope. Former President Barack Obama has effectively opened the floodgates, offering pathways to stable employment, professional growth, and long-term community impact.
For many, the moment feels reminiscent of an iconic cultural memory — Oprah Winfrey’s legendary “You get a car!” episode. Only this time, the stakes are even higher.
This isn’t about prizes.
This is about livelihoods.
With each new job offered, families gain stability, individuals gain purpose, and communities gain momentum. The promise of employment means paying bills, caring for loved ones, building careers, and, perhaps most importantly, reclaiming dignity through meaningful work, making the impact extend well beyond jobs.
The Obama Presidential Center will serve as a dynamic hub featuring a museum, library, foundation offices, athletic and community spaces, and expansive landscaped parkland complete with gardens, playgrounds, and reclaimed roadways. It is designed not merely as a destination, but as a living, breathing extension of the South Side itself.
“When Michelle and I first imagined the Obama Presidential Center, we wanted it to be more than a building,” former President Obama said. “We wanted it to be a living, breathing testament to what’s possible when a community comes together… a place that reflects the heart, spirit, and pride of the South Side of Chicago — the community that made us who we are.”
As the Center prepares to open its doors to the world, it is seeking people who understand that every job matters — ambassadors of hope who will welcome visitors and help them feel what makes the South Side so special.
While the headline announcement highlights 150 positions, the opportunity doesn’t stop there. Additional jobs and internships are already posted on the Center’s careers page, meaning this truly is a “you get a job” moment for those willing to bet on themselves. There is, quite literally, something for everyone.
In addition, the Foundation has launched resources to support South Side entrepreneurs and business owners, including free monthly online workshops. This means opportunity extends beyond job seekers to those bold enough to start or grow their own businesses, creating a ripple effect that generates even more jobs, economic stability, and long-term growth for the community.
How does the center plan to support this group? Well, in anticipation, the Foundation has also launched resources to help South Side entrepreneurs and business owners, including free monthly online workshops.
The first workshop takes place on Wednesday, February 18, at 12 p.m., hosted by Airbnb Academy, followed by another on March 18 at 9:30 a.m. CT, presented by Google Optimization for Small Business. While only two sessions are currently scheduled, organizers expect more to follow.
Chicago’s South Side isn’t just getting a new landmark — it’s gaining jobs, energy, connection, and opportunity.
With increased employment will come increased foot traffic, greater use of public transit, and expanded local economic activity. The community has been preparing for this growth, and the Obama Presidential Center has anticipated the impact it will have on Jackson Park and the surrounding neighborhoods. What stands out most is the Center’s commitment to open communication—clearly outlining what this increase will look like and how residents and visitors can navigate the area respectfully and efficiently. As tourism grows, collaboration between the community and visitors will be key to ensuring the infrastructure being built serves everyone well.
The anticipation is over. Hope is no longer deferred, it’s being fulfilled. The future isn’t just coming to the South Side. The future is hiring.
