Barack Obama He is the first black person to be elected president of the United States, a position the Democrat held for eight years. Today, at 58 years old, the Nobel Peace Prize winner is one of the most influential figures in contemporary progressive politics – and whose government has contributed to the advancement of LGBT rights (find out more here).
Last Wednesday (3), he made a statement on television regarding the wave of protests against racism and police violence that has left the USA on the boil – the trigger being the murder of George Floyd, on May 25, black man asphyxiated to death by a police officer who knelt on his neck after immobilizing him.
Obama lamented that “there was not enough effort” on the part of mayors regarding a report focused on the topic.
“You should be able to learn and make mistakes and live a life of joy without worrying about what will happen if you go out to the store, go for a run, drive down the street or watch birds in the park,” he said. in support of the protesters.
He compared the current moment of social upheaval to the civil rights protests of the 1960s.
“As tragic as the last few weeks have been, as difficult and scary and uncertain as they have been, this time is also an incredible opportunity for people to wake up to some of these issues,” he continued.
Read more about the Democrat's speech at G1.
