Obama Presidential Center live updates as Chicagoans gather at opening of library, museum and community center

Jim Williams worked as press secretary for Mayor Richard M. Daley for five years back in the 1990s, and Williams knew Michelle Obama when she was Michelle Robinson — engaged to future President Barack Obama before they married in 1992.

“She was salt-of-the-earth, just as nice as could be, and very, very smart. She was recruited to the Department of Economic Development and Planning by Valerie Jarrett, who has remained a very close friend of the Obamas; was the only person to serve eight years in a senior role in the Obama administration,” Williams said. “And so it’s remarkable to see somebody you shared an office with in this position.”

Meanwhile, as a young reporter in Chicago, Dana Kozlov used to head down to Springfield and chase then-Illinois state Sen. Barack Obama around the Illinois State Capitol, and interview him about the issues of the day.

“After I met him, I found him to be very accessible, and very direct when he answered questions — which, you know, you don’t always get from all elected officials, they’re not always very direct, and then followed his rise from the state Senate to the U.S. Senate,” said Kozlov. “And looking back, it is remarkable to be sitting here almost 30 years later, and you know, we’re at the dedication of the center.”

Williams remembered 30 years ago, he was talking with Jarrett, and they both said, “Wouldn’t it be something one day if Barack Obama could be mayor of Chicago?” 

Mr. Obama, of course, ended up moving up a few steps.