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How did Obama navigate the issue of police brutality and racial inequality during his presidency?

Georgeann Lalley

During his presidency, Barack Obama faced many challenges related to police brutality and racial inequality in the United States. The issue of black men being disproportionately targeted and killed by the police was brought to national attention by the Black Lives Matter movement, and Obama had to navigate this contentious issue carefully.

One of the first steps Obama took was to acknowledge that there was a problem. In 2014, he created the Task Force on 21st Century Policing to review policing practices and recommend reforms. The Task Force came up with recommendations for police departments to improve relationships with their communities, increase transparency and accountability, and reduce the use of force. Obama also sought to address the underlying causes of police violence, including poverty, unemployment, and lack of access to education and healthcare.

Obama also used his platform as president to speak out on these issues. In a speech delivered after the police shootings of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile in 2016, Obama acknowledged the anger and frustration of African Americans, while also asking for peaceful protests. He stated, “To be concerned about these issues is not to be against law enforcement.”

Obama also worked to improve police-community relations by establishing the National Initiative for Building Community Trust and Justice, which represented a partnership between law enforcement, researchers, and community leaders. The program aimed to promote procedural justice, reduce implicit bias, and promote reconciliation.

Obama also sought to address racial inequality more broadly by implementing policies and programs aimed at reducing poverty and increasing access to education and job opportunities. He fought to ensure that all Americans had access to healthcare, signing the Affordable Care Act into law in 2010. He also issued executive orders to reduce discrimination in the federal workplace and promote diversity in education.

Despite these efforts, police brutality and racial inequality remained persistent problems during Obama's presidency, and the issue has continued to be a major topic of political debate. However, Obama's efforts to address these issues have laid the groundwork for further progress, and his legacy will be one of advocating for equality and justice for all Americans.

In conclusion, Obama navigated the issue of police brutality and racial inequality during his presidency by acknowledging the problem, working to improve police-community relations, advocating for policies aimed at reducing poverty and inequality, and using his platform to speak out on these issues. While the problems of police violence and racial inequality continue to this day, Obama's efforts have helped to raise awareness and lay the groundwork for further progress.