Barack Obama Addresses Protesters: ‘You Matter’
Barack Obama recently addressed protesters via Zoom, and told them that “you matter.” “I’m speaking directly to the young men and women of color in the country who has so eloquently described and have witnessed too much violence and too much death,” Obama said.
“Too often… violence has come from the folks who are supposed to be serving and protecting you. I want you to know that you matter. I want you to know that your lives matter. That your dreams matter.”
“I have my daughters, Sasha and Malia, and I look at my nephews and nieces. I see the limitless potential that deserves to flourish and thrive. You should be able to learn and make mistakes, and live and life of joy without having to worry about what’s going to happen when you walk to the store, go for a jog, are driving down the street, or looking at some birds in a park,” the former President of the United States continued.
“So I hope that you also feel hopeful even as you may feel angry because you have the power to make things better and you have helped to make the entire country feel as if this something that’s gotta change. You have communicated a sense of urgency that is as powerful and transformative as anything that I’ve seen in recent years.”
“I want to acknowledge the folks in law enforcement that share the goals of reimagining police because there are folks out there who took the oath to serve your communities of your country. You have a tough job and I know you are just as outraged at the events,” Obama said.
“We’re grateful for the mass majority of you who protect and serve. I’ve been heartened to see those in law enforcement who recognize,” Let me march along with these protesters. Let me stand side by side and recognize that I want to be a part of the solution.”
