He expressed the experience of so many people - especially males who are African-American. Holder noted the same experience. Their concurrences that, yes, this happens to black people in this nation - FOR NO REASON - helps people to understand that the experience is not based upon the actions of someone - but based upon the perception of a group.
He also called for civility for anyone who wants to take out anger in destructive ways - while saying civil demonstrations will not be stopped. He talked about black on black crime as a problem. In other words, he addressed the talking points and the fears of detractors in this moment (and, as his speech indicates, far beyond this moment.)
It's useful to move this conversation beyond the trial of one man and the death of one black teenager - because the issue is not just that one case. The grief is for one person, but the grief is also about this same situation being part of the fear of African-Americans - as Americans. Their lives and their freedoms to simply be are inhibited by the knowledge that perception creates dangers for their lives.
Obama mentioned SYG as a problematic law that states should look at... and THIS is a very good statement from the President regarding the sorts of laws that allow injustices to occur.
He spoke about the complicated issues surrounding the case - yes, the jury spoke, so, yes, "technically" all worked as it should. But, there are factors beneath the entire incident, before the jury spoke, that helped to reach this moment and that jury verdict that are grounded in racism and all the effects of this racism.
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