Former President
Barack Obama
addressed the world today with a virtual town hall hosted by My
Brother's Keeper Alliance, a program from the Obama Foundation. Photo: Sean Gallup/Getty Images
Acknowledging that times are tense with the continued protests being
held across the globe and the looming presence of the coronavirus
pandemic, Obama spoke frankly about the death of George Floyd, police
violence, and stated that he intended to "[ensure] that this moment
becomes one for real change." Though he addressed Floyd's death on his
social media accounts and in
an op-ed for Medium, today's town hall was the first time he addressed it on camera.
Obama invited former U.S. Attorney General Eric
Holder, Color of Change president Rashad Robinson, Minneapolis City
Council Representative Phillipe Cunningham, and MBK Columbus Youth
Leader Playon Patrick to the virtual talk, which was moderated by
Campaign Zero co-founder Brittany Packnett Cunningham.
RELATED: Barack Obama Addressed Protests Over Police Brutality and Provided Steps Forward in New Essay
"Let me start by just acknowledging that we have
seen in the last several weeks, last few months, the kinds of epic
changes and events in our country that are as profound as anything I've
seen in my lifetime," Obama said during his appearance. "Let me begin by
acknowledging that although all of us have been feeling pain,
uncertainty, disruption, some folks have been feeling it more than
others. To those families that have been directly affected by tragedy,
know that Michelle and I grieve with you, hold you in our prayers."
He went on to note that he was hopeful for the
future, pointing out that activists are justified in their feelings, but
reiterated that anyone looking for change needs to start in their local
communities, and encouraged everyone to get out and vote.
"Part of what's made me so hopeful is that so many
young people have been galvanized, activated, motivated, and mobilized,"
he said.
Martin Luther King, Malcolm X, feminist leaders,
LGBT community leaders, and environmental leaders were young people,
Obama said, adding that the efforts of young people made him feel
optimistic.
"This country is going to get better," he stated. "I see limitless potential that deserves to flourish and thrive."
Before he finished, he reiterated that police
reform was necessary, but urged public officials to review their use of
force policies in their communities and commit to reporting on planned
reforms, asking for specific steps that can and will be taken.
"I hope that you also feel hopeful, even as you may
feel anger. You've communicated a sense of urgency that is as powerful
and transformative as anything I've seen in recent years. I want to
acknowledge the folks in law enforcement that share the goals," he said,
addressing protestors. "We are grateful for the vast majority of you
who protect and serve. Let me march along with these protestors, let me
stand side by side and recognize that I want to be part of the solution.
Change is going to require everybody's participation."
Obama continued, saying that although many have
drawn parallels between current events and protests in the past, he sees
a distinct difference.
"I've heard some people say that you have a
pandemic, then you have these protests, this reminds people of the '60s
and the chaos, discord, and distrust throughout the country," he said.
"I have to tell you, although I was very young when you had riots and
protests and assassinations and discord back in the '60s, I know enough
about that history to say that there is something different. You look at
those protests and you say that was a far more representative portion
of America out there on the streets protesting."
President Obama concluded by saying that it will
take work at every level, from politicians and their constituents, for
real change to come about. Again, he emphasized that young people have
the ability to be agents for change.
"There is a change in mindset that is taking place.
A recognition that we can do better. That is not a consequence of
speeches by politicians, results of spotlights in news articles. That's a
direct result of the activities of organizing and engagement of young
people across the country that put themselves on the line to make a
difference," he said. "I just have to say thank you to them for helping
bring about this moment; just make sure that we now follow through. At
some point, attention moves away. At some point, protests start to
dwindle in size. It's very important to take the momentum that's been
created, as a society, as a country, and say, let's use this."
source: By
Christopher Luu www.instyle.com
