In his first remarks since the death of George Floyd in police custody, Mr Obama says the protests offer an opportunity for people to be 'awakened' to underlying trends, and to work together to tackle them.
Former US president Barack Obama says the nationwide protests following the death of George Floyd in police custody have provided the opportunity for people to be "awakened" and "change America".
"In some ways, as tragic as these past few weeks have been, as difficult and scary and uncertain as they've been, they've also been an incredible opportunity for people to be awakened to some of these underlying trends," Mr Obama said. "And part of what's made me so hopeful is the fact that so many young people have been galvanised and activated and motivated and mobilised."Mr Obama's speech offered a contrast in tone to the way his successor, Republican President Donald Trump, has responded to the protests, some of which have devolved into violence.
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