Obama meets with Chicago youth ahead of Monday speech

Former President Obama met with at-risk youth in Chicago Sunday, a day ahead of first big post-presidency speech.

Obama joined a group of young men and boys for a discussion sponsored by the Cred program in the same South Side Chicago neighborhood where he started as a community organizer. 

His former Education secretary, Arne Duncan, founded the organization and invited Obama to the event.

The program “aims to provide job skills, employment opportunities, and positive connections for at-risk young adults,” according to a release from the group.

{mosads}Obama “listened to the young men’s stories and shared some of the challenges that he faced growing up,” spokesman Kevin Lewis said in the release.

“He expressed that he was optimistic about their potential to positively contribute to their communities and support their families because of the services provided in the program.”

“The President also asked the young men to share advice on how they think gang and gun violence can be reduced in Chicago. Several young men shared that they aspired to help reduce gang violence in their communities,” the release continued. 

The event comes one day before Obama speaks to community leaders and organizers at the University of Chicago, which will be the site of his presidential library.

Obama’s re-emergence on the public scene comes just ahead of President Trump’s 100th day in office, which will be this Saturday.