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Barack Obama addressed the nation today to speak about police violence and the continued protests happening across the nation following the deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade and more black Americans killed by police. During his virtual town hall, titled “Reimagining Policing in the Wake of Continued Police Violence,” the former president acknowledged the pain and anger many Americans are feeling, but expressed optimism for the future of the country.
Obama explained that as much as the past few weeks have been frightening and uncertain, they have also served as an “incredible opportunity for people to be awakened.” “They offer an opportunity for us…to change America and make it live up to its highest ideals. And part of what’s made me so hopeful is the fact that so many young people have been galvanized, and activated and motivated and mobilized,” he said.
“Historically, so much of the progress we’ve made in society has been because of young people,” he continued, citing Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Cesar Chavez, Malcom X, the leaders of the feminist and union movements, and environmentalists and LGBTQ activists.
“When sometimes I feel despair, I just see what’s happening with young people all across the country, and the talent and the voice and the sophistication that they’re displaying, and it makes me feel optimistic,” he said. “It makes me feel as if this country is going to get better.”
Obama also addressed concrete ways to move forward and enact change, asking mayors and city officials to take action in their own commuities. “I am urging every mayor to review your use of force policies with members of your community and commit to report on planned reforms. What are the specific steps you can take?” he asked. “We need mayors, county executives, people in power to say this is a priority, this is a specific response.”
Other guests joined Obama for tonight’s town hall, as well. Featured speakers included Brittany Packnett Cunningham, activist, educator, and writer; Philippe Cunningham, City Council Representative, Ward 4, City of Minneapolis; Playon Patrick, My Brother’s Keeper Youth Leader, City of Columbus; Eric H. Holder, Jr., Former Attorney General, U.S. Department of Justice; and Rashad Robinson, President, Color of Change.
Obama’s “Reimagining Policing in the Wake of Continued Police Violence” comes just days after President Trump came under fire for using tear gas to clear peaceful protestors and make way for his photo op in front of a church. President Trump has been vocal about his stance on protests, encouraging an aggressive response to stop protestors. “You have to dominate, if you don’t dominate you’re wasting your time,” he told governors. “They’re going to run over you. You’re going to look like a bunch of jerks. You have to dominate.”
Watch Obama’s full town hall in the video below.
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