Former President Barack Obama is telling Black Americans there is still work to do as the nation continues to combat racism and police brutality.
During an interview with Black Entertainment Television (BET) published Thursday, Obama acknowledged, “This is an incredibly tough time for a lot of folks.”
Obama noted how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted Black communities at a higher rate and “all of a sudden, you’re adding grief and fear on top of all the other emotions folks were already feeling.”
Touching on the issue of police brutality, Obama said, “It can make you wonder if things will ever get better.”
Arguing “people who benefit from keeping things the way they are — they are counting on your cynicism,” Obama continued, “They know they can’t win you over with their policies. So they’re hoping to convince you that your vote, and your voice, doesn’t matter. That’s how they win.”
Calling on Black Americans to “keep marching, keep speaking up, keep voting,” Obama reminded them if they feel as though they are unable to do so, “Those who came before us had it a whole lot harder.”
The former president pointed out previous generations joined together instead of giving up.
“So many Americans have followed in those footsteps over the last four years, and especially these past few months. And if we are going to usher in the progress we need, we cannot let up during these next four. There’s too much left to do,” Obama said.
The New York Times noted since testimony in the trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin began last month, more than three people a day have lost their lives at the hands of police.
Obama issued a statement last week responding to the fatal shooting of Daunte Wright, a Black man, by a police officer, as IJR reported.
He said the incident is an example of “just how badly we need to reimagine policing and public safety in this country.”
In another statement on Tuesday, Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama also praised the jury for convicting Chauvin of the murder of Floyd, as IJR reported.