How we photographed Juneteenth and joy at the Obama Presidential Center
This week’s top photo comes from Assistant Photo Editor Pat Nabong. Follow her on Instagram.
Why is this photo important?
The Obama Presidential Center opened to the public on Juneteenth, the federal holiday that celebrates the abolishment of slavery in Texas on June 19, 1865. In Texas, slave owners defied the Emancipation Proclamation that President Abraham Lincoln had signed more than two years before. One hundred and sixty-one years later on June 19, 2026, the Obama Presidential Center welcomed people from Louisiana, Chicago, Washington, D.C. and other parts of the country. That day was a celebration of Juneteenth and the center, which traces the struggle and accomplishments of Black people through the years, reflects the history of movers and shakers as well as everyday people, and provides a space for the surrounding community.
How did you make this photo?
The Obama Presidential Museum’s architecture has become somewhat iconic, standing tall as a representation of the center and also a visual symbol that can be interpreted in many different ways. Since it was Juneteenth, I was watching for any scene that could convey the joyous vibe. There were people dancing on the John Lewis Plaza, visitors touring the garden and people taking selfies outside the museum. This person caught my eye because she was standing under the towering building as her colorful outfit moved with the wind. It seemed to be a moment of reflection for her since she stood there almost unmoving for several minutes, unlike people taking selfies and roaming the grounds around her. I was drawn to that quiet moment and crouched behind her, waiting for her to move so I could see a profile of her face. When she turned around to walk to her friend, the sleeves of her top swayed, creating a more dynamic frame.
Technical details:
Equipment: Sony A7IV with a 24-70mm lens
Focal length: 24mm
Shutter: 1/1600
Aperture: F/4.5
ISO: 200
Plus, 13 more great Chicago Sun-Times photos from recent news:
Visitors play on the swing on Juneteenth at the Obama Presidential Center playground on the South Side on June 19.
Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
Former Chicago Bull Will Perdue helps a young girls attempt a free throw during a basketball skills activity inside Home Court at the Obama Presidential Center on June 19.
Tyler Pasciak LaRiviere/Sun-Times
Valentina Paredes, 5, plays at the newly opened playground at the Obama Presidential Center on June 20.
Jeremy Battle/Sun-Times
Children play at the newly opened playground at the Obama Presidential Center on June 20.
Jeremy Battle/Sun-Times
People walk along the Lakefront Trail while others enjoy barbecue during Juneteenth celebrations at Promontory Point on the South Side on June 19.
Tyler Pasciak LaRiviere/Sun-Times
Women dance during the Midway Plaisance official watch party of the Obama Presidential Center Grand Opening Ceremony on the South Side on June 18.
Candace Dane Chambers/Sun-Times
The crowd cheers for Michelle Obama on June 18 at the Midway Plaisance Park official watch party of the Obama Presidential Center Grand Opening Ceremony on the South Side.
Candace Dane Chambers/Sun-Times
Nadine Porrata, CHRC, closes her eyes in prayer during while holding up a sign during a press conference to advance a Department of Gun Violence Reduction at City Hall in the Loop on Monday.
Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times
Flanked by supporters, Mayor Brandon Johnson signs an executive order Thursday at City Hall creating a new Office for Gun Violence Reduction.
Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times
A sailboat travels along Lake Michigan near Montrose Harbor on June 19.
Tyler Pasciak LaRiviere/Sun-Times
Artist Yosmer Urrieta stands beside one of his 14 new alebrije murals on North Clark Street in Rogers Park.
Jeremy Battle/Sun-Times
Young people who had been called to testify about “teen takeovers” look on Wednesday as Ald. Jessie Fuentes (26th) presides over a meeting of the Chicago City Council’s Subcommittee on Youth Employment at City Hall.
Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times
People walk by the east side entrance at Bell Works Chicagoland in Hoffman Estates on Monday.
Candace Dane Chambers/Sun-Times
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