From the South Side to the West Wing: Obama's Chicago Journey

Join IOP founding director David Axelrod and former associates of President Barack Obama for a conversation tracing President Obama’s influences throughout his formative years. From his journey as a community organizer on the South Side to legislator in Springfield and United States Senator, we will hear about the experiences, relationships and defining moments that forged our 44th President’s instincts, voice, and vision.
 

Featuring Robert Gibbs, Barack Obama White House Press Secretary, Cody Keenan, former director of speech writing for Barack Obama, Loretta Augustine Herron, South Side native and community organizer and Lisa Madigan, former IOP Pritzker Fellow and Illinois Attorney General who served alongside President Obama as Illinois State Senator. Moderated by David Axelrod.

 

If you have any questions about accessibility, please contact iopevents@uchicago.edu.

For press inquiries, please contact rraleigh@uchicago.edu.

Thursday, May 21, 2026

5:30 pm CT

Chicago Theological Seminary