November 11, 2022
Construction Suspended At Obama Presidential Center After Noose Found On Site
Construction was halted at the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago after a noose was found on the construction site. ABC7 News reported that the noose was found on the morning of Nov. 10 by members of the construction crew.
The Black-owned construction firm working on the project, Lakeside Alliance, has offered $100,000 reward for any information that leads to the responsible party. They halted construction on the site after notifying the police so that investigators could interview employees.
“We have zero tolerance for any form of bias or hate on our worksite,” said a representative from Lakeside Alliance. “Lakeside Alliance remains committed to providing a work environment where everyone can feel safe, be their best self, and is treated with dignity and respect.”
The Obama Foundation released a statement that said that leaving the noose at the site was an “act of cowardice.”
“This shameless act of cowardice and hate is designed to get attention and divide us. Our priority is protecting the health and safety of our workforce. We have notified authorities who are investigating the incident.”
I condemn this act of hate in the strongest possible terms, and the state of Illinois will make all needed resources available to help catch the perpetrators.
— Governor JB Pritzker (@GovPritzker) November 10, 2022
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot also released a statement after the noose was discovered at the construction site and said the guilty party would be held responsible.
“Racism and racist symbols have no place in Chicago, and those inciting it will be held responsible for this repulsive act,” said Lightfoot.
According to USA TODAY, the Chicago Police Department is investigating the incident.
The Obama Presidential Center will feature an activity center, museum, library, plaza and forum. The center is scheduled to open in 2025.