Former President Obama’s Encouraging Message to Those Who Want Change [VIDEO]

“I want you to know that you matter, I want you to know that your lives matter, that your dreams matter.”

That was the message from former President Obama sent directly to men and women of color in the United States during a virtual town hall on Wednesday. Watch the entire conversation here. 

While addressing the death of George Floyd and the civil unrest across the globe, Obama said amid tragedy there’s also hope and opportunity for people to act and work for change.

“When sometimes I feel despair, I just see what’s happening with young people all across the country, and the talent and the voice and the sophistication that they’re displaying,” he said, noting that Martin Luther King Jr., Cesar Chavez and Malcolm X all were young when they got involved in their causes. “And it makes me feel optimistic. It makes me feel as if, you know, this country’s gonna get better.”

“It’s been an incredible opportunity for people to be awakened.”

Hundreds of thousands of people have woke up and showed up in protests in all 50 States.

Protests highlight the problem and make those in power uncomfortable, but voting changes laws, he reminded us.

It is so important that we vote in local elections, because the Mayor appoints the Police Chief.

During the town hall, Obama urged cities and police departments to review their use of force policies and make changes to strengthen trust between officers and the communities they serve.

Watch the entire conversation here.