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Alexis Hart McDowell, a real estate attorney from Chicago, is one of the many generous people helping bring the Obama Presidential Center to life on the South Side of Chicago through financial support.

As a Bronzeville resident, Alexis was elated when she found out that the Obama Presidential Center would call Chicago home.

“The Obamas’ connection to Chicago is just undeniable,” Alexis emphasized. “It means everything that they chose Chicago for their Center. It really means their hearts are here. Their passion for the people is here. It’s absolutely huge.”

Alexis has been following Barack Obama’s journey from as early as his time as a U.S. Senator in her hometown. Years later, she fondly remembers the freezing November night in Grant Park when he gave his presidential acceptance speech to a crowd of over 240,000. The moment was significant to her because she was around 36 weeks pregnant with her son, Cosby, at the time.

“I could not miss his speech,” Alexis said. “The magnitude of that moment was so huge, especially bringing a son into this world, where his first president was an African-American man. It was just absolutely incredible to have my son born under that type of movement.”

Now, she’s encouraged by the Foundation’s work in Chicago and what the future Obama Presidential Center will mean for the next generation of young leaders.

“President Obama showed us that change can’t just be a monument or a symbol,” Alexis emphasized. “You have to keep the momentum moving forward, so we can have a better society for everyone, and that’s what his campaign was. That hope. So, it’s important to make sure we continue to change hope into action through the Foundation’s work and the resources at the Obama Presidential Center.”

We are grateful to the many people, just like Alexis, who are helping bring the Obama Presidential Center to life on the South Side of Chicago. Find out how you can support our work at Obama.org/donate.