Construction of Obama Presidential Center resumes, nearly a week after noose was found on site

Obama Presidential Center
Former U.S. President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama participate in a ceremonial groundbreaking at the Obama Presidential Center in Jackson Park on September 28, 2021 in Chicago, Illinois. Photo credit Scott Olson/Getty Images

Construction has resumed at the Obama Presidential Center about a week after a noose was discovered on the site, according to the group overseeing the center’s construction on the South Side.

All staff and onsite workers participated in anti-bias training, and further security measures have been implemented, Lakeside Alliance said in a statement Wednesday.

“We will continue to provide assistance to the authorities regarding the ongoing investigation to identify the individual or individuals responsible for this horrific act.” the statement said. “While Lakeside Alliance understands that no amount of training will lessen the impact of last week’s heinous act, we will continue to provide anti-bias, inclusion and belonging training on an ongoing basis to help foster an inclusive work environment.”

Chicago police have not provided any updates on the investigation.

Construction was halted last Thursday after a noose was found on the site. The circumstances of the discovery weren’t clear.

Lakeside Alliance said it was offering a $100,000 reward for help in finding those responsible for “this shameful act.”

(Source: Sun-Times Media Wire & Chicago Sun-Times 2022. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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Featured Image Photo Credit: Scott Olson/Getty Images