Noose Found at Obama Presidential Center Construction SiteConstruction at the site of the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago came to a temporary halt Thursday following the discovery of a noose at the location. Lakeside Alliance, a construction team of Black-owned companies building the center, reported the finding to Chicago police. A noose is a symbol of the thousands of lynchings, often from trees, of Black Americans during slavery and well into the 20th century. Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker posted on Twitter: “The noose is more than a symbol of racism, it is a heart-stopping reminder of the violence and terror inflicted on Black Americans for centuries." Lakeside Alliance is offering a $100,000 reward for information leading to the discovery of who planted the noose at the site. Barack Obama was the first Black U.S. president and his wife Michelle, the first Black U.S. first lady.