The Kresge Foundation has helped bring the Rosa Parks Courtyard Lounge to life at the Obama Presidential Center, creating a space dedicated to reflection, community connection, and the enduring legacy of civil rights leader Rosa Parks.
Located on the Obama Presidential Center’s nearly 20-acre campus on Chicago’s South Side, the lounge honors Parks’ courage and commitment to justice while providing visitors with a place to gather, reflect, and draw inspiration for continued civic action.
The Kresge Foundation’s support for the project reflects a shared commitment with the Obama Foundation to strengthen communities, advance equity, and create inclusive public spaces that bring people together. The center is designed not only as a cultural destination but also as a hub for civic engagement, leadership development, and community progress.
The Rosa Parks Courtyard Lounge joins other public features at the campus, including a Chicago Public Library branch and a public plaza honoring civil rights leader John Lewis. Together, these spaces aim to connect history with the future by encouraging learning, dialogue, and participation.
The Obama Foundation has also focused on community-centered development throughout the construction process by supporting diverse contractors and creating workforce opportunities for residents of Chicago’s South and West Side neighborhoods.
Beyond the physical campus, Kresge’s investment supports programs that help develop future civic leaders. Initiatives that connect emerging leaders and community changemakers continue to build networks focused on creating positive social impact.
The Rosa Parks Courtyard Lounge stands as a tribute to a historic figure while serving as a reminder that the work of building more equitable communities continues. Through this collaboration, Kresge and the Obama Foundation aim to transform memory into inspiration and action.
