The Scoop on the OPC Opening and Other Activities

History Comes to the Fifth This Week

On Friday, June 19, "Juneteenth," which celebrates the day enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, learned they had been legally free for nearly 2 and a half years, the Obama Presidential Center officially opens here in the Fifth Ward. The day before, the world is invited to the grand opening ceremony online and on-site.

Here is the latest information we have from the Chicago Police Department to help you navigate the temporary street closures around the OPC this week:

You're Invited to the OPC Dedication...

Tickets for the on-site OPC grand opening watch party have been depleted, but you can still be part of the excitement. The event is being livestreamed on Thursday, and there are activities through the weekend. Get more information on the Obama Presidential Center website.

On a Related Matter...

Due to activity surrounding the formal opening of the OPC and traffic rerouting, we will reschedule our weather-postponed safety meeting once the roadways return to normal. I had invited representatives from the police and streets and sanitation departments to share information to help you navigate the closures this week.

I also wanted to lead a community discussion with violence prevention groups to seek solutions to the mass gatherings of teens disturbing the peace in Fifth Ward neighborhoods.

Since we can't meet this week, due to the traffic issues, I can get that conversation started by sharing a few thoughts from neighbors who responded to my survey on this topic.

I asked one critical question:

What's the best way for the City to respond

to mass gatherings of teens?

Here are the responses I've received so far.

The survey is still open if you have thoughtful comments to add. Together, I am confident we can find a solution that benefits everyone.

Yours in service,

Ald. Desmon Yancy

In case you missed my Op-Ed about this issue in the Chicago Tribune:

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/06/02/opinion-chicago-teen-takeover-response-inadequate/

Resources for Teens

The Chicago Park District offers online tools that help Chicagoans find Teen Centers and Teen in the Parks events throughout the city: 

Teens in the Parks FREE programs (includes map): 

www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/teens-parks 

Park District Teen Centers (includes map): 

www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/facilities/teen-centers 

Teen in the Parks program series for Summer: 

2026 CPkD Teen Flyers 

What Else is Happening in the Fifth?

Know a young man interested

in a medical career?

This program with full-ride scholarship potential has NO Black male applicants.

Add this to your Calendar