Former President Barack Obama Urges Protestors to Continue Fighting for Change - Watch

Barack Obama is addressing the ongoing protests in the fight against racial injustice.

The 58-year-old former president delivered a town hall message from his home in regards to the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery and the nationwide protests in response to systemic racism and police brutality.

“Let me start by just acknowledging that we have seen. In the last several weeks, the last few months, the kinds of epic changes and events in our country that are as profound as anything I’ve seen in my lifetime,” Obama said. “To the families affected by violence: Please know that Michelle and I, and the nation, grieve with you, hold you in our prayers. We’re committed to the fight of creating a more just nation in the memory of your sons and daughters.”

“For those who have been talking about protest, just remember that this country was founded on protest — it is called the American Revolution,” Obama said. “Every step of progress in this country, every expansion of freedom, every expression of our deepest ideals have been won through efforts that made the status quo uncomfortable…And we should all be thankful for folks who are willing, in a peaceful, disciplined way, to be out there making a difference.”

Obama ended his address on a positive note, saying, “I want to speak directly to the young men and women of color in this country who have witnessed too much violence and too much death. I want you to know that you matter. I want you to know that your lives matter. That your dreams matter.”

Obama isn’t the only former president to speak out against racial injustice. You can read what President George W. Bush said here and what President Jimmy Carter said here.