Former President Barack Obama speaks in Chicago at foundation's Democracy Forum
CHICAGO (WLS) -- Former President Barack Obama is headlining the Obama Foundation 2024 Democracy Forum in Chicago.
The event is happening on Thursday at the Marriott Marquis on Prairie Avenue. The forum is focusing on "pluralism" and how diverse communities can find ways to work together, especially now after such a divisive presidential election.
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"How can we work together to make sure everyone has dignity?" Obama Democracy Forum speaker Mónica Guzmán said.
President Obama came out on stage to speak just after 5:15 p.m.
Hundreds came together unite for the purpose of finding commonality.
"Because you're a Democrat, you're a Republican, how can you... do this, do that?" Obama Democracy Forum participant Barbara Hall said. "It's breaking up families. What we need to do is bring people together."
Among those sharing were some entertainers. Country singer Reyna Roberts talked about having fans who wear confederate flags and how she welcomes a photo if the fan puts on some of her swag and covers the flag.
Mirroring empathizing and validating someone doesn't mean you agree with them, and it's a pretty sweet super power.Ryan Reynolds, actor and forum speaker
"They are like, 'oh, I'll change, I'll wear one of your shirts. I just want to take a photo with you. I love your music,' and never know what kind of reaction I'm going to get, but I'm just being my true authentic self," Roberts said.
Actor and film maker Ryan Reynolds spoke of his documentary about a Welsh football team that carries a deeper message
"Mirroring empathizing and validating someone doesn't mean you agree with them, and it's a pretty sweet super power," Reynolds said.
Chicagoan Berto Aguayo founded Increase the Peace and met the former President, who encouraged him to go to law school. Fast forward a few years, now Aguayo is a practicing attorney and introducing the Mr. Obama Thursday evening.
"He reminded me that I belong in these spaces too, and I think it's a real cool moment because that in itself shows the power of pluralism," Aguayo said.
When the Obama Presidential Center opens in Jackson Park in 2026, it's expected that Foundation work, like the Forum, will move to the Center.
President Obama has said he didn't want to wait for the Center to be built to get to work inspiring new leaders and positive change.
