CHICAGO, Ill. — As the Barack Obama Presidential Center prepares to open its doors this June on Chicago’s South Side, the institution is making clear that its hiring process will reflect a firm commitment to anti-racism and equity. With 150 positions available, ranging from custodial roles to visitor ambassadors, the center’s job listings emphasize the importance of candidates sharing the organization’s values in combating systemic racism.
Former President Barack Obama highlighted the center’s mission in a recent video message, inviting applicants to embrace the unique spirit of the South Side. “When people come here, we want them to feel what makes the South Side so special,” Obama said, referencing the community’s warmth, resilience, creativity, and joy.
The Obama Foundation’s website explicitly states that it is an “actively anti-racist organization,” aiming to leverage its global reach to address inequities wherever they exist. This ethos permeates the job descriptions, including that of a full-time security officer, which underscores the foundation’s dedication to creating an inclusive workplace that combats systemic racism and gender discrimination.
According to the foundation’s career page, the team is described as “equal parts dreamers and doers,” committed not only to achieving goals but also to the manner in which those goals are pursued. The organization stresses that dismantling racism requires more than policy changes—it demands sustained cultural and institutional commitment.
This approach stands in sharp contrast to recent federal actions under President Donald Trump, who eliminated many diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives within government agencies. The rollback of these programs has sparked debate nationwide, with advocates warning of setbacks in addressing systemic inequities. Meanwhile, the Obama Presidential Center’s hiring policies signal a renewed emphasis on DEI principles within prominent cultural institutions.
Construction of the center continues in Chicago’s Woodlawn neighborhood, where the project has drawn both praise and criticism for its design and scale. The center aims to serve as a hub for community engagement, education, and cultural enrichment, reflecting the values and legacy of the 44th president.
Prospective employees have until January 31 to apply for the available positions, which include roles that directly interact with visitors and help shape the center’s welcoming atmosphere. The foundation encourages applicants to review its detailed statements on anti-racism and equity, which outline the organization’s commitment to building a network dedicated to addressing systemic racism and fostering inclusion.
For more information on the Obama Presidential Center and its hiring process, interested individuals can visit the Obama Foundation careers page. The center’s focus on equity aligns with broader efforts by cultural institutions nationwide to promote diversity and social justice.
In a time when federal diversity initiatives face uncertainty, the Obama Presidential Center’s stance highlights a contrasting vision—one where cultural landmarks actively champion anti-racist values and seek staff who embody those principles. This commitment may set a precedent for future institutions navigating the evolving landscape of equity and inclusion.
For context on federal diversity policies, see the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs. The ongoing national conversation about DEI reflects the complexities of balancing policy, culture, and community needs.
As the Obama Presidential Center moves closer to its grand opening, its hiring practices and organizational values will likely draw continued attention as a symbol of the enduring legacy of President Obama’s vision for a more equitable society.
