Cyrus Langhorne
Former president Barack Obama is going to speak up today. The iconic head of state is set to discuss the slaying of black man George Floyd in Minneapolis by law enforcement.
Obama x 5 PM
According to reports, the virtual town hall is set to go down at 5 PM ET. It’s also hosted by the Obama Foundation’s My Brother’s Keeper Alliance.
Former President Barack Obama plans to address in a virtual town hall Wednesday night the death of George Floyd, stressing the importance of “ensuring that this moment becomes one for real change” and that the protests around the country lead to new policies, according to an Obama aide.Those comments will mark Obama’s first time addressing Floyd’s death on camera, via the video-conferencing service Zoom. In recent days, he has addressed it on social media as well as a lengthy Medium post. After those opening remarks, Obama will participate in a panel discussion, which the aide said is expected to center on changes to policing and other issues related to law enforcement. (CNN)
Twitter Reacts
The huge announcement has already sparked positive reactions. Twitter users embraced getting a chance to hear Obama’s thoughts on police brutality and the current protests.
“Good news, America. You can hear from a real president today. The tv networks should #TakeObamaLive” -Adam Parkhomenko’s Twitter
Wait, There’s More
According to reports, Minnesota General Keith Ellison is adding charges against the cops. Arrested ex-officer Derek Chauvin‘s is now set to receive a second-degree murder charge.
Ellison’s official announcement is expected to come Wednesday afternoon, more than a week after Floyd was killed while in police custody in Minneapolis, sparking nationwide protests that call for the end to police violence against black citizens. Derek Chauvin, who had his knee pressed into Floyd’s neck for nearly nine minutes, had previously been charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. Officers Thomas Lane and J.A. Keung, who helped restrain Floyd, and a fourth officer, Tou Thao, who stood near the others, were not initially charged. (CNN)
Before You Go
This week, Atlanta rap star 2 Chainz focused on the nationwide protests. The hip-hop heavyweight and rap star Nicki Minaj talked about the importance of all officers connected to George Floyd’s death getting placed in handcuffs.
“Okay, okay. Quick question. As I look on the news, and they show every single city that’s protesting, looting, whatever. It looks like all the 12’s got the PPE [protective personal equipment]. They need it. They ain’t have none for no frontline, nobody at the hospital, they need the masks, they need all kinds of donations. These police just got a new shipment of shields, you can use them little helmets. They use them in the hospital. As far as when this sh*t gonna stop, it ain’t never gonna stop until y’all arrest three f*cking cops. Just arrest three cops and charge that other cop with first degree. That’s all you got to do.” -2 Chainz’s Instagram
“When 4 black THUGS commit a crime, if 1 person commits murder, they ALL get charged & CONVICTED. When white THUGS/COPS KILL innocent black people, ALL 4 of them are responsible‼️‼️‼️ They all watched an unarmed man die and did nothing‼️ Why do they have different rules????? Let your voice be heard. Be angry. White people have been using violence against us since the beginning of time. We didn’t invent violence & looting. Will these officers actually get convicted? Probably not. Let your voice be heard. Call & TEXT to be a part of these petitions. May Mr. Floyd Rest In Peace.” -Nicki Minaj’s Instagram
