The Root; Published By Jessica Washington
Photo: Photo by Spencer Platt (Getty Images)
Former President Barack Obama has kept a significantly lower profile than his successor. But that doesn’t mean he’s been idle since his time in office. On Tuesday, Obama announced the first class of the Obama Foundation’s new Leaders USA Program.
“I’m inspired by this talented group of young leaders from across the United States.” said former President Obama in a statement to The Root. “From an oncology resident championing health equity for Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders to passionate union organizers advocating for the labor rights of educators and first responders nationwide, to the first Black woman executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Alabama—their ideas and leadership will help strengthen democracy now and in the future.”
According to the Obama Foundation, the program will train the 100-person cohort to “tackle some of the most pressing issues of our time.” And as luck would have it, The Root sat down for an exclusive chat with some of the new change-makers.
Photo: Obama Foundation
Cece Jones-Davis, director of the Justice for Julius campaign, which helped stop the execution of Julius Jones in Oklahoma, says the Obamas have inspired her. “The Obamas as leaders, as humans, have been such an example of dignity and compassion and public service and work ethic and brilliance,” she says. “And for me as a Black woman in the justice space and as a faith leader and otherwise, I have been so inspired by their work.”
She added that programs like this are essential in this political climate. “This is absolutely necessary. Now more than ever,” she says. Read more
