At times of great turmoil, what the country needs most is a steady voice of leadership from someone who can soothe, unify, and offer empathy. In Donald Trump, the country is sorely lacking those things at a time when it most needs them. Someone needed to step in and give the country what Trump never could.
President Obama held a town hall on his website on Tuesday, addressing the nation in the midst of a pandemic, an economic depression, and a moment of great civil unrest across the country with the death of yet another unarmed black man.
Panelists at the town hall included activist, educator, and writer Brittany Packet Cunningham, city county representative from Minneapolis ward four Phillipe Cunningham, My Brother’s Keeper youth leader for the city of Columbus, OH Playon Patrick, former Attorney General Eric Holder, and president of Color of Change Rashad Robinson.
President Obama began his portion of the town hall by saying:
‘Although all of us are feeling pain, uncertainty, and disruption, some folks have been feeling it more than others. Most of all, the pain that’s been experienced by families of George and Breonna…and too many others that we paused to think about during the moment of silence. And to those families who have been directly affected by tragedy, please know that Michelle and I grieve with you.’
Obama acknowledged the protests as the result of a long history due to racial oppression, the “original sin of our society.” He also acknowledged, however, that these tragedies and the protests that have erupted from them have been an “incredible opportunity for people to be awakened to some of these underlying issues.” He urged protesters and those committed to the fight against racial injustice to “tackle them, take them on.”
President Obama assured viewers that he and his family are “committed to the fight” against racial injustice and offered words of hope for a hope-starved country.
‘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…it makes me feel optimistic.’
Obama had spoken out prior to his speech both on Twitter and on Instagram, as had former First Lady Michelle Obama.
President Obama’s website also includes a page with a call to action, offering easy to find resources where financial and personal help can be offered.
‘We work to help leaders change their world—and the world needs changing. The killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and the loss of far too many Black lives to list, have left our nation anguished and outraged. While now is a time for grief and anger, it is also a time for resolve. Find resources below to learn what you can do to create a more just and equitable world.’