Obama's Proposed Presidential Library Drew Protests in Chicago

Supporters of former President Barack Obama’s proposed presidential library and museum were joined by protesters as a key city commission met Thursday to determine whether to grant approval for construction to begin.

On a patch of sidewalk outside of City Hall, a group in blue T-shirts and pins emblazoned with the Obama Presidential Center logo chanted, “yes we can” and urged drivers to honk in support of the proposed library, while protests nearby called for a formal promise from the city and the foundation that South Siders will not be hurt by the project.

Francis Banks, 77, a resident of Chicago’s Woodlawn neighborhood, was among the protesters. “We want the library, of course we do,” she said. “But we want people in the community to benefit. I don’t think that’s unreasonable.”