Atrium in Obama Presidential Center named for Chicago teen Hadiya Pendleton, killed in 2013 shooting
15-year-old performed at President Barack Obama's second inauguration days before she was shot and killed
CHICAGO (WLS) -- Thirteen years ago, Chicagoans and people across the country were shocked to hear of the murder of Hadiya Pendleton.
Among those troubled by the death of the honor student were the Obamas.
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They dedicated part of the Obama Presidential Center to Pendleton. On Tuesday, her family visited the Hadiya Pendleton Atrium.
As thousands visit the Obama Presidential Center during preview tours, theirs was the one Chicago family eager to see a part inside the Forum building.
"I have mixed feelings; we are going through a lot. But today is the dedication to Hadiya. Man, I'm feeling everything," father Nate Pendleton said.
"I was completely overwhelmed when they announced it, when the first lady announced it to me. It made me feel like the voice I had given my parents, our daughter mattered," mother Cleopatra Cowley said.
Pendleton was 15 years old in 2013. The honor student had performed at President Barack Obama's second inauguration days before she was shot and killed.
Pendleton's birthday is Tuesday. She would have been 29.
"Families are forever destroyed by acts of violence; nobody wins," Cowley said. "I'm hoping to help keep other families intact; although mine has been destroyed."
The Hadiya Pendleton Atrium is an open space with seating that allows visitors time to reflect and connect in the Forum Building that has restaurants and an auditorium.
"It's like a dream seeing my daughter's name on the wall," Nate Pendleton said. "This is a perfect example of where people can come together. That's Hadiya was anyway, she loved people. She was a people person, too. I think this is the perfect tribute to her. To the Obamas, thank you for everything you have done, for keeping us in mind. Our daughter lives forever."
Earlier Tuesday, they began the day visiting their late daughter's grave privately.
They said they hope visitors to the center will remember their daughter and do what they can to work to reduce gun violence.
