Barack Obama addressed the nation this afternoon in a town hall. He was joined by his former Attorney General, Eric Holder, police reform activists, and other public figures. The former president said:

“Please know that Michelle and I, and the nation grieve with you, hold you in our prayers. We’re committed to the fight of creating a more just nation in the memory of your sons and daughters.”

“I want to speak directly to the young men and women of color in this country who have witnessed too much violence and too much death… I want you to know that you matter. I want you to know that your lives matter. That your dreams matter.”

“I’ve been hearing a little bit of chatter on the internet about voting versus protest. Politics and participation versus civil disobedience and direct action. This is not an either/or. This is a both/and. To bring about real change we both have to highlight a problem and make people in power uncomfortable. But we also have to translate that into practical solutions and laws that can be implemented and we can monitor and make sure we’re following up on. 

Watch the town hall below.