The former American president hailed the "change of mentality" operated among Americans demonstrating against racism and police violence, which he said could lead to reforms at the national level. Donald Trump's predecessor also urged state and local authorities to review their policy on the use of force in his first video commentary since the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police on May 25.
"It is very important for us to seize this moment that has just been created as a society, as a country, and to use this to finally have an impact," said Barack Obama during a videoconference with activists. "There is a change of mentality underway, a greater awareness that we can do better," he added.
It sends a message to the youth
Barack Obama, 58, who remains very popular with Democrats, said the current protests paint "a much more representative picture of America" than the civil rights movements of the 1960s. Young people particularly responded, and their motivation could inspire deeper change, said Obama.
20,000 demonstrators in #Paris and rallies in #Lille, #Lyon and #Marseille against
#police violence ⤵➡ https://t.co/wYc9DIIqDD#JusticepourAdama #BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/46oFZ05nNX
"I want you to know that you count. I want you to know that your lives count, your dreams count, "he continued, to the attention of young black people in the country who he says have witnessed or been victims of violence too many times.
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