Barack Obama’s storied ascent to the U.
S. presidency is anchored in his roots as a community organizer. The planned Obama Presidential Center,which includes his presidential library, is supposed to cement that history. But community organizers from the South Side of Chicago, or where Obama got his start,are fighting the project, unless they derive a community benefits agreement (CBA).
About 20 organizations have formed the Obama Library South Side Community Benefits Coalition. The coalition does not believe the project will deliver on its promise of economic development and have serious concerns that locals will be pushed out of the area. So they're demanding that the Obama Foundation, or the city of Chicago,and the University of Chicago sign a CBA that would include:Require that jobs be set aside for people in communities around the Obama presidential center
Protect low-income housing and domestic owners
Support and create black businesses
Strengthen neighborhood schools
The Obama Foundation says a community benefits agreement is not the lawful answer. Jeanette Taylor, education organizer of the Kenwood Oakland Community Organization and a vocal leader of the coalition. She lives in Woodlawn neighborhood of Chicago, and where the Obama Center will be built. She says she was previously displaced by a changing community,and why she decided to join the fight. Click on the 'Listen' button above to hear this segment. Don't have time to listen lawful now? Subscribe to our podcast via iTunes, TuneIn, or Stitcher,or wherever you derive your podcasts to acquire this segment with you on the disappear.
This segment is hosted by Todd Zwillich
Source: thetakeaway.org