On the Midway Plaisance near Dorchester Avenue, a jubilant celebration with old-school jams was well under way at 10 a.m. ahead of the Obama Presidential Center opening ceremony watch party. For many, this was about more than a building. It was about seeing a community that shaped a president take its place on the world stage.
Lana McKinney just moved from Chicago to Kansas City, and now lives in Hyde Park. She was one of the first people to get in line for the watch party at 6 a.m.
“I think the best part about this is the kids see democracy in action, civic engagement, and just to celebrate presidents, right?” McKinney said.
Meanwhile, seats were also filled for the opening ceremony at the Obama Presidential Center. In attendance were some of the people who have been with the Obama family since before they entered politics, and worked with him on the campaign.
Some residents of the community who live right across the street were also among the VIPs.
“I moved over here when this was just dust, and I moved over here two years ago when there were just steel cages, and this was nothing here, and to see what has come within two years now, I love it,” said Jessica Winesberry. “I just love it all.”
“I’m thrilled to be here. I’m excited. I was here before this, anything on this campus was here other than the football field,” said Lazarus Daniels. “Like I said, I’m a proud graduate of Hyde Park High School, so just to see the change in the community is super dope.”
Some were so emotional that they could barely get the words out about how excited they were.