This month marks 60 years since the original 13 Freedom Riders--among them, a 21-year-old John Lewis--set out on two buses from Washington, D.C. to challenge the segregation of public transportation. In the weeks following their May 4, 1961 departure, the Freedom Riders were threatened, arrested, and attacked by violent mobs throughout the Deep South. They attracted the attention of the nation and the world, inspiring hundreds more riders from across the country to join their movement and in Mississippi that summer. To mark this anniversary, the Obama Foundation spoke with veterans of the Freedom Rides. In this clip, hear from Catherine Burks-Brooks.

Catherine Burks-Brooks on her experience during the Freedom Rides

This month marks 60 years since the original 13 Freedom Riders--among them, a 21-year-old John Lewis--set out on two buses from Washington, D.C. to challenge the segregation of public transportation. In the weeks following their May 4, 1961 departure, the Freedom Riders were threatened, arrested, and attacked by violent mobs throughout the Deep South. They attracted the attention of the nation and the world, inspiring hundreds more riders from across the country to join their movement and in Mississippi that summer. To mark this anniversary, the Obama Foundation spoke with veterans of the Freedom Rides. In this clip, hear from Luvaghn Brown.

Luvaghn Brown on how the Freedom Rides impacted the trajectory of his life

his month marks 60 years since the original 13 Freedom Riders--among them, a 21-year-old John Lewis--set out on two buses from Washington, D.C. to challenge the segregation of public transportation. In the weeks following their May 4, 1961 departure, the Freedom Riders were threatened, arrested, and attacked by violent mobs throughout the Deep South. They attracted the attention of the nation and the world, inspiring hundreds more riders from across the country to join their movement and in Mississippi that summer. To mark this anniversary, the Obama Foundation spoke with veterans of the Freedom Rides. In this clip, hear from Joan Mulholland.

Joan Mulholland on what she remembers about being arrested during the Freedom Rides

This audio track is a part of a larger story on Daniel Fairley II, 2023 United States Leader. Read the full article on Obama.org.

Obama Leader reflects on his family and the start of his leadership journey

Obama Leader reflects on how President Obama's call to service has impacted his life

This audio track is a part of a larger story on Kori Coleman, 2023 United States Leader. Read the full article on Obama.org.

Obama Leader recounts the moment when she decided to create D-Composed

David Reynolds, vice president of operations at the Obama Presidential Center, shares more about the Center’s sustainability.

Sustainability at the Obama Presidential Center

Dr. Louise Bernard, director of the museum of the Obama Presidential Center, shares more about what visitors will experience at the Museum.

President and Mrs. Obama's Legacy at the Obama Presidential Center

Lori Healey, senior vice president and executive project officer at the Obama Presidential Center, explains how the Center’s design and architecture reflect the values and mission.

Architecture at the Obama Presidential Center

Melanie Moore, a South Side Chicago community member, shares her thoughts and hopes for the upcoming Obama Presidential Center.

Voices of the Community-Obama Presidential Center: Melanie Moore

Patrician Haywood, a South Side Chicago community member, shares her excitement around the upcoming Obama Presidential Center.

Voices of the Community - Obama Presidential Center: Patrician Haywood

Willa Marie Fox Burton, a long time South Side Chicago community member, discusses what she hopes to see at the upcoming Obama Presidential Center.

Voices of the Community - Obama Presidential Center: Willa Marie Fox Burton

Lawrence Jackson, former White House photographer, reflects on the 50th anniversary of Selma

Leader, activist, and former White House staffer Julie Chávez Rodriguez recounts the day Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) was announced to the world.

Julie Chávez Rodriguez Recounts the day DACA was Announced

Zenge Simakoloyi shares his fear

Chanroeun Pa shares his fear

Presient Obama Reflects on the Power of Collective Action

Kesha Ram Hinsdale shares what scares her most

President Obama is traveling to Germany to join Chancellor Angela Merkel for a conversation about civic participation at the iconic Brandenburg Gate in Berlin.

They won’t be alone: President Obama and Chancellor Merkel will be joined by four inspiring young civic leaders — two from Mannheim, Germany, and two from Chicago.

We spent time with these inspiring young people — teacher Sierra Sims and actress Imani Abernathy from the South Side of Chicago and social worker Filiz Kuyucu and student Benedikt Wichtlhuber from Mannheim  — learning more about their lives, their communities, and what civic engagement at a local and global level means to them. We were inspired to get to know them, and you will be too. Check out parts of those conversations.

Filiz-Marleen “Filiz” Kuyucu from Mannheim, Germany

Benedikt Wichtlhuber from Mannheim, Germany

President Obama is traveling to Germany to join Chancellor Angela Merkel for a conversation about civic participation at the iconic Brandenburg Gate in Berlin.

They won’t be alone: President Obama and Chancellor Merkel will be joined by four inspiring young civic leaders -- two from Mannheim, Germany, and two from Chicago.

We spent time with these inspiring young people — teacher Sierra Sims and actress Imani Abernathy from the South Side of Chicago and social worker Filiz Kuyucu and student Benedikt Wichtlhuber from Mannheim  — learning more about their lives, their communities, and what civic engagement at a local and global level means to them. We were inspired to get to know them, and you will be too. Check out parts of those conversations.

Sierra Sims from Dolton, IL

Jared M. reflects on then-Senator Obama's announcement of candidacy for the US Presidency in Springfield, IL.

From Hope to History: Jared M.

Living outside of Paris at the time, Evelyn C. shares her memories from election night in 2008.

From Hope to History: Evelyn C.

Cortney C. remembers where she was and what she was doing on election night in 2008.

From Hope to History: Cortney C.

President Obama Reflects on the 2008 Election

Dillon M. from Norwalk, CT reflects on Inauguration Day 2009. He was in kindergarten.

From Hope to History: Dillon M.

Mrs. Obama extends heartfelt thanks to the many healthcare workers in Chicago who are on the frontlines, working around the clock to treat patients and save lives during the time of COVID-19. "You all embody the very best of who we are and I know we will get through this crisis because of you," said Mrs. Obama in a recorded message shared with hospitals across the city of Chicago. Listen to her message here.

Mrs. Obama Offers Chicago Healthcare Workers Words of Thanks and Support

In honor of Latinx Heritage month, we sat down with Mateo Zapata, a Chicago-based photographer documenting the public health crisis, the ways it is disproportionately affecting his community, and the systemic inequality it has brought to light. We spoke about how his heritage has influenced his work, and the message he hopes young people take from his images—that when the world stopped, it was people of color who kept it turning. This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

Obama Foundation

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