“We need to recognize that the situation in Ferguson speaks to broader challenges that we still face as a nation. The fact is, in too many parts of this country, a deep distrust exists between law enforcement and communities of color. Some of this is the result of the legacy of racial discrimination in this country.”

American retired politician

Barack Obama is an American retired politician who served as the 44th president of the United States from 2009 to 2017. A member of the Democratic Party, he was the first African American to hold the office. Before the presidency, Obama represented Illinois in the United States Senate from 2005 to 2008 and served in the Illinois state senate from 1997 to 2004. He is known for his political leadership across state and national office.