Less than half an hour ago, president Obama gave one of the most powerful speeches of his presidency and possibly in the history of television. He gave a sense of urgency, but is composed, like he is in the eye of the storm, so to speak.
He suddenly started singing Amazing Grace.
The power of this speech is the recognition of the situation in America for black people and all those who have been oppressed, the fact that he is the president saying this, and the fact that he is the first black president of the United States. It was a very Christian speech. He explained the grace expressed by church members towards Dylann Roof despite their grief and anger, and made that a point of interest for his speech.
He talked about the history of racial violence towards African Americans and in particular, black churches in America, and the confederate flag as more than a simple of heritage and valor, but also of honoring slavery and how racial violence and slavery are unjust causes.
President Obama called on God's grace to show how the shooter's actions are being used in a way that he did not realize was possible. Addressing how racial disparity is not something which shall be corrected overnight or through conversation as we have had many, he made a strong call to action.
It was an impressive speech.
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