Obama Foundation Announces Spaces Honoring Leaders and Loved Ones Who Nurture Community
June 8, 2026 at 9:00 AM CDT
CHICAGO — The Obama Foundation today announced a selection of spaces in the Obama Presidential Center named for those who dedicated their lives to building the relationships that sustain our communities through food and family. Those honored include Mrs. Obama’s father, Fraser Robinson III, who joins Mrs. Obama’s mother, Marian Robinson, and President Obama’s mother, Ann Dunham, in spaces named for them that underscore the important role that family and community play in civic life. These spaces are made possible through the generous support of individual and institutional donors who are committed to nurturing our communities.
“All leaders are shaped by the people who raised and nurtured them, and so in the Presidential Center, we celebrate the profound impact that Ann Dunham had on her son and Fraser and Marian Robinson had on their daughter," said Valerie Jarrett, the CEO of The Obama Foundation. “We have also created loving spaces where we can connect with one another and grow. From the people who have shared their wisdom around our childhood kitchen tables to the food that nourishes us every day, we are excited to offer spaces where everyone will feel like they belong.”
The spaces announced today include:
Tafari’s Kitchen: Located inside the Forum building just off the John Lewis Plaza, the Center’s onsite restaurant offers a full menu of casual food inspired by the Obamas’ personal stories, culture, and commitment to healthy eating. The restaurant features a welcoming dining space with wide glass doors for al fresco dining on warmer days. It honors the award-winning former White House culinary team member and beloved personal chef to the Obama family who tragically passed away in 2023. Tafari Campbell was known as a warm, fun-loving, and humble soul who used his immense gifts and passion for food to spread joy and bring people together, and a painting of him by Kate Capshaw will hang in the restaurant.
Fraser C. Robinson Picnic Area: Located adjacent to the Eleanor Roosevelt Fruit and Vegetable Garden, this gathering space offering visitors elevated views of the campus and lagoon features picnic tables for workshops and community use. It honors Michelle Obama’s father, a water filtration plant pump operator who lived with multiple sclerosis and taught his daughter that true strength lies in overcoming setbacks, working hard, and caring for others. This space is made possible through the generous support of an anonymous donor.
Alice Waters Private Dining Room: This 24-seat dining room located off Tafari’s Kitchen in the Forum building is designed to host intimate meals and culinary programs. It honors the chef, educator, author, and activist who championed the slow-food movement and inspired nationwide initiatives like the White House kitchen garden. This space also features the painting Hidden Reflection by Hugo McCloud, which traces significant locations in President Obama’s life, imbuing the power of place with biographical meaning. This space is made possible through the generous support of Gwendolyn Weiner, The EOS Foundation Trust.
These spaces join others already announced. They include:
Toward A More Perfect Union Exhibit in the Obama Presidential Center Museum, in honor of Jane Addams. This space is made possible through the generous support of Joe and Rika Mansueto.
Democracy 101 Exhibit in the Obama Presidential Center Museum, in honor of Timuel Black. This space is made possible through the generous support of the Sacks Family Foundation.
Democracy in Action Lab (DIAL). This space is made possible through the generous support of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation.
Ann Dunham Water Terrace. This space is made possible through the generous support of Obama Campaign and Administration Alumni.
Paul Farmer Special Exhibitions Gallery in the Obama Presidential Center. This space is made possible through the generous support of the family of Jessie Reid Taylor.
Yes We Can Exhibit in the Obama Presidential Center Museum, in honor of John W. Gardner. This space is made possible through the generous support of Gilbert S. Omenn and Martha A. Darling.
Hope and Change Lobby. This space is made possible through the generous support of the Hutchins Family Foundation.
Imagine Your Impact Exhibit in the Obama Presidential Center Museum, in honor of Mae Jemison. This space is made possible through the generous support of Exelon.
John Lewis Plaza. This space is made possible through the generous support of Jeff Bezos.
Nancy Pelosi Garden Pavilion. This space is made possible through the generous support of the Ron Conway Family.
Herman Petty Program Room. This space is made possible through the generous support of McDonald’s Corporation.
Opening the White House Exhibit in the Obama Presidential Center Museum, in honor of Marian Robinson. This space is made possible through the generous support of Mark Gallogly and Lise Strickler, Three Cairns Group.
John W. Rogers, Jr. Exhibition Gallery, Working for the Common Good, in the Obama Presidential Center Museum. This space is made possible through the generous support of The Hobson/Lucas Family Foundation.
Eleanor Roosevelt Fruit and Vegetable Garden. This space is made possible through the generous support of Connie Ballmer.
Sojourner Truth Program Room. This space is made possible through the generous support of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, Battle Creek, Michigan.
Eunice Kennedy Shriver Lobby at Home Court. This space is made possible through the generous support of founding partner of health and wellness programming, Northwestern Medicine.
Harriet Tubman Courtyard. This space is made possible through the generous support of Karla Jurvetson, M.D.
Harold Washington Overlook. This space is made possible through the generous support of Alphawood Foundation in Chicago, Fred Eychaner, Founder.
Elie Wiesel Auditorium. This space is made possible through the generous support of the Pritzker Traubert Family.
Ida B. Wells Program Room. This space is made possible through the generous support of the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation.
The Obama Presidential Center opens to the public on June 19. These named spaces will serve as lasting tributes to the giants of history, reminding every visitor that they, too, have the power to leave a lasting mark on the world.
About The Obama Foundation
The Obama Foundation is a nonpartisan 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to inspire, empower, and connect people to change their world. That mission begins on the South Side of Chicago, where The Foundation is building the Obama Presidential Center. But that approach extends to all our work, whether it’s holding leadership training sessions in communities throughout the U.S., bringing local leaders together in countries around the world, working to support the global education of girls, or ensuring young men of color have pathways to opportunity. From every corner of the globe, our program participants are working together to address some of the biggest challenges of our time—from renewing our democratic institutions, protecting LGBTQ+ rights, fighting climate change, and so much more.
###
Contact: Emily Bittner, press@obama.org