North Central College in the News
North Central College political science professor interviewed on WGN-TV
Sep 29, 2021
Suzanne Chod talked about the Obama Presidential Center groundbreaking
A South Side plot of land is about to become the site of historical construction. After years of blueprints and court battles, the first shovels turned in Jackson Park Tuesday to begin physically building the Obama Presidential Center. The $500 million facility that has been six years in the making is being built on the South Side, not far from where the Obamas first met and had their family. The Center will include a museum and a new branch of the Chicago Public Library, as well as a public plaza and recreation center. The former president said he wants the space to become a hub for activism and social change.
Suzanne Chod, political science professor at North Central College, interviewed on WGN-TV, where she discussed the significance of the groundbreaking and how it will standout among the other Presidential Libraries.
“Normally when we think about a presidential legacy, political scientist and pundits, we measure by policy, we measure by how many Supreme Court justices are federal judges the president appointed,” said Chod. “But, what former President Obama is trying to build with his legacy and in partnership with former First Lady Michelle Obama, is building future generations of leaders. He sees his legacy and this Obama Presidential Center as the focal point of that and is a place of gathering, of activism, of civic participation, and a way to build capital to feel connected.”
