Common and John Legend Perform “Glory” at Obama Presidential Center Opening Ceremony in Chicago

On June 18, 2026, musicians Common and John Legend delivered a performance of their Oscar-winning song “Glory” at the opening ceremony of the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago, as reported by The White House. The event, held in Jackson Park, featured a star-studded lineup including Jennifer Hudson, Bruce Springsteen, and Stevie Wonder, with the ceremony marking the beginning of the 19-acre campus’s public access.

Performance Highlights and Symbolic Gestures

Common and John Legend opened their set with a rendition of Donny Hathaway’s “Someday We’ll All Be Free,” followed by their 2015 Academy Award-winning song “Glory” from the film *Selma*. The performance included a collaboration with the United Voice of Chicago choir, as noted by The Chicago Tribune. During the song, Common declared, “The Obama Center is for the glory,” before the duo raised their fists in solidarity, a gesture echoing the civil rights movement.

Event Context and Significance

The ceremony, attended by former President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, coincided with Juneteenth, a holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the U.S. The center, designed to celebrate “the progress embodied by the nation’s first Black leader,” faces challenges amid ongoing debates over diversity initiatives, according to The New York Times. The official opening of the center is set for June 19, 2026, though tickets for the initial phase are sold out, with additional availability scheduled for October, as stated on Obama.org.

Freestyle and Political References

During a collaborative performance of Stevie Wonder’s “Higher Ground,” Common delivered a freestyle that referenced former Presidents Joe Biden and George W. Bush, as well as civil rights figures like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and former Chicago Mayor Harold Washington, per WBEZ Chicago. The performance underscored the event’s focus on legacy and contemporary social issues.

Ticket Availability and Future Events

Admission to the Obama Presidential Center is currently sold out for its initial opening period. Visitors seeking future access are encouraged to sign up for updates on Obama.org. The center’s programming aims to highlight education, community engagement, and historical preservation, as outlined in its official mission statement.