Barack Obama calls for action on police brutality and killings, with focus on youth and mayors

Former President Barack Obama spoke out this week in the aftermath of the killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and countless other Black Americans.

“Over 1,000 people are killed by police every year in America, and Black people are three times more likely to be killed than White people. We can take steps and make reforms to combat police violence and systemic racism within law enforcement.”

Obama’s My Brother’s Keeper Alliance is calling on American mayors to commit to review and reform their policing policies.

In this event, livestreamed on June 3, President Obama was joined by former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder; Rashad Robinson of Color of Change; Minneapolis City Council Representative Phillipe Cunningham, and youth leader Playon Patrick. Campaign Zero co-founder Brittany Packnett Cunningham moderated the event. MBK Executive Director Michael Smith introduced the program.