THEY GAVE ME A HOME” AS PRESIDENTIAL CENTER OPENS IN CHICAGO - BARACK OBAMA. (PHOTO).

 They gave me a home” as Presidential Center opens in Chicago - Barack Obama

The opening of the Obama Presidential Center has prompted Barack and Michelle Obama to reflect on their long-standing connection to Chicago's South Side.

Speaking ahead of the center's opening, Barack Obama said the area is closely tied to many of the milestones in his personal and political life.

“There used to be a road that ran right through this same park,” he said. “That’s how I first came to Chicago.”

Obama noted that several significant locations remain within a short distance of the new center, including the neighborhood where Michelle Obama grew up, the venue where they held their wedding reception, the hospital where their daughters were born and their first family home.

“So much of what is precious to me is because of this community,” he said. “The people who embraced some funny kid from Hawaii, they gave me a home.”

Michelle Obama said the center holds particular meaning for her because of her upbringing in the area.

“Every piece of me was built in this area,” she said.

She added that facilities like the Presidential Center were not available in the community during her childhood and said she believes local children will benefit from the space.

“There was nothing like this center anywhere when I was growing up,” she said. “I get emotional realizing what this will mean for kids.”

The Obama Presidential Center is located on Chicago’s South Side, an area where both Barack and Michelle Obama lived, worked and built their family before moving to the White House.