Malia Obama and Sasha Obama have spent years guarding their privacy, but they made a rare public appearance to support a huge milestone for their family’s legacy. On June 18th, the sisters joined their parents, Barack Obama and Michelle Obama, in Chicago for the opening celebrations of the Obama Presidential Center. The 19.3-acre campus was created to honor the Obama presidency and the values that shaped it.
Both sisters looked gorgeous while staying true to their individual styles. Malia, 27, kept it fashion-forward with a structured gray blazer mini dress and an edgy, plunging neckline. Her now-signature long auburn waves were worn loose.
The youngest, Sasha, 25, wore an ivory textured knit set with an asymmetrical draped top and matching skirt, cinched at the waist with an oversized brown statement belt.
Sasha smiled and waved to the crowd with Malia just behind her, both appearing happy with huge smiles. Standing side by side, the images are a testimony to how fast time flies and how much they’ve grown. Still united, it’s a far cry from the young girls the world first met during inauguration day in 2009.
At one point. Michelle stood at the podium to deliver a speech. Her daughters sat behind her, listening alongside Barack.
© GettyWhile Barack and Michelle have remained in the spotlight, with the former first lady even hosting her own podcast, the sisters have largely chosen lives away from the public.
© GettyAside from occasional paparazzi snapshots in Los Angeles or the rare family photo shared by their parents, they don’t have public social media accounts, don’t do interviews, and seem to want to live their lives like everyday young women.
Michelle has spoken often about wanting to give both daughters the freedom to become themselves fully outside the intense scrutiny that defined their childhood.
© GettyThey’ve faced racism, sexism, and, unfortunately, still see it today. At the UFC Freedom 250 event at the White House, Josh Hokit made disgusting, transphobic comments about their mother. Proving that even 10 years later, the Obama family lives rent-free in many people’s heads.
Since Barack’s second term ended in 2017, Malia has quietly built a career in Hollywood, first writing for Swarm, the buzzy series from Donald Glover, before stepping into directing with her short film The Heart, which premiered at Sundance.
She also made the choice to work professionally under the name Malia Ann, a move many saw as an effort to let her creative work stand on its own.
Sasha has remained more private, though she reportedly lives in Los Angeles near her sister after graduating from the University of Southern California with a sociology degree.
What is the Obama Center?
More than a traditional presidential library, the Obama Presidential Center is designed as a living civic hub on Chicago’s South Side, complete with a museum, community spaces, public programming, gardens, and athletic facilities.
© GettyThe goal, much like Barack and Michelle’s broader post-White House mission, is centered on empowering future generations. It will be open to the public on Juneteenth.
© GettyIt’s been a star-studded opening ceremony with performances by Jennifer Hudson, Christina Aguilera, The Roots, Eddie Vedder, John Legend, U2’s Bono and Edge, Tems, and Marc Anthony.
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