During his campaign, President Obama promised he would visit New Orleans during his first year in office. On Oct. 15, he followed through with his promise with a visit to a charter school in the Lower Ninth Ward and a town hall at the University of New Orleans.
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The President meets the crowd at the University of New Orleans.
Official White House Photo by Pete Souza
At Dr. Martin Luther King Charter School in the Lower Ninth Ward, Obama exhorts students to work hard at school. “I’ll be back to check on you,” he said.
Official White House Photo by Pete Souza
Obama was greeted in the cafeteria by the school band’s rendition of “Hail to the Chief.” They had been practicing since Sunday, when the band found out the President was visiting.
Official White House Photo by Pete Souza
Fourth-grader Tyren Scott, pictured here in the turquoise sweater, asks the President, “Why do people hate you? They’re supposed to love you. God is love.”
Official White House Photo by Pete Souza
It seemed there was plenty of love to go around at the town hall, though there were contentious moments. One questioner asked why New Oreleanians are “still fighting” with the federal government; another demanded to know how Obama will reform immigration law.
Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson
