President Obama SPEAKS OUT Saying, "If I Had A Son He'd Look Like Trayvon"

Mar 23 | by _YBF

President Obama has spoken to the nation about the tragic shooting of Trayvon Martin saying, "If I Had A Son He'd Look Like Trayvon." Get the President's full statement inside....

After he announced Dartmouth President Jim Yong Kim as the new head of the World Bank, President Obama addressed the nation regarding the Trayvon Martin saying,

"I can only imagine what these parents are going through. When I think about this boy I think about my own kids.

"I am glad that not only is the Justice Department is looking into this, but the Governor of the State of Florida has put together a task force [to investigate the case].

My main message is to the parents: If I had a son he'd look like Trayvon. I think they are right to expect that all of us as Americans are going to take this with the seriousness it deserves."

He also said,

“All of us have to do some soul searching to figure out how does something like this happen…”

Also...BET News has produced a documentary that examines the Trayvon Martin case called "SHOOT FIRST: THE TRAGEDY OF TRAYVON MARTIN. It airs on Monday, March 26 at 7:30 PM.

BONUS:

Both Lebron James (along with the Miami Heat) and Dwyane Wade have posted photos of themselves in hoodies to show support for Trayvon Martin.

Dwyane tweeted,

"#hoodies #stereotype #trayvonmartin."

He later told the Sun Sentinel,

"I'm a father, It's support of the tragic thing that has taken place. No matter what color, race, we're all fathers.

When you think about what that family's going through, it hits you hard and it hurts your heart to think about it. Just anything you can do, obviously we can't bring him back, but anything you can do to get behind and support is what we're doing."

And LeBron tweeted,

"#WeAreTrayvonMartin #Hoodies #Stereotyped #WeWantJustice."

Where do you stand on the situation?

Categories:

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Comments

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I have read most of these

I have read most of these comments and I believe some people are not understanding the reason alot of people are upset and outraged. The reason of course is that a innocent child was murdered but the murderer is NOT in police custody, has not been arrested andproperly questioned, or charged with murder. Yes, tragedy happens everyday but most of the time the authorities have to search for the murderer in this case they know who he is and nothing has been done.

by Anonymous
10:43 am - Mar 24, '12

I think about" The Civil

I think about" The Civil Rights Movement" And the Suoreme Court. Thiurgood Marshall our beloved one.

by Anonymous
10:37 am - Mar 24, '12

I think about" The Civil

I think about" The Civil Rights Movement" And the Suoreme Court. Thiurgood Marshall our beloved one.

by Anonymous
10:36 am - Mar 24, '12

I just feel like it is WRONG

I just feel like it is WRONG that Zimmerman's words were taken as the truth and he was NOT questioned when police arrived. When he admitted to shooting Trayvon in self defense, the police's next question should have been "what did he DO?" . All this talk about the boy's ATTIRE is BULL!! when it's raining and COLD outside, that's what you wear!! he was not on drugs! he was not doing anything to anybody! he was on the phone with his girfriend, telling her he was being followed. This story is disgusting. This is basically an attempt to cover up the blatant racism that exists in America. In what world do we live in that one cant wear a specific article of clothing without the worry of being murdered in cold blood. I guess the next time i see someone jogging in my neighborhood, I should just call the police or better yet take the law into my own hands. Bottom line: George Zimmerman is NOT God so he had absolutely NO right to take this boy's life. I am truly disgusted in the legal system and people in general. This man is a policy academy REJECT who is obsessed with trying to be an authoritative figure!

by Anonymous
9:44 am - Mar 24, '12

President Obama can only do

by Anonymous
9:36 am - Mar 24, '12

my sentiments exacly. he can

my sentiments exacly. he can only do so much. People think just because he's black, he HAS to speak within the next 10 minutes about all things black. give him a BREAK!!! we are lucky to have jesse and al to rally behind this.

by Anonymous
9:47 am - Mar 24, '12

If Obama had a son he would

If Obama had a son he would have Secret Service assignment to which the incident would have never occurred, and even if it did, Zimmerman would have been killed on the spot. If Obama had a son he would be chouffered through the gated community instead of walking. If Obama had a son then his Skittles and ice tea would have been delivered to him. If Obama had a son and his son was murdered by racial profiler, then you can bet that Obama would be doing a lot more to address the racial disparity and profiling that continues and in fact has increased in this nation that he swore to change. But Obama doesn't have a son, and his children are provided the best education and security that our money can buy. So thank you but no thank you, Mr. President. Trayvon and the rest of us live in the real world on a daily basis. I see the unemployed and homeless black people wearing shirts with your face on it. We've been inside of the unemployment offices where your picture hangs proudly on the walls. We don't need your words, we need your action. Sympathy and support are not one in the same. But since you give more of one than the other, we will March by ourselves. A true leader would march for truth and speak out against injustices (i.e. Martin Luther King, Nelson Mandela, Malcolm X, Ghandi, Jesus the Christ). But you remind us daily that you are just a politician who has won the hearts of many blacks because you "appear" to relate their need. For many black people, as long as you remain black, regardless of the blatant and continued injustices that you ignore, you will always have a vote, and that is sad, because Trayvon is not the only story; he's just one of many. Truth be told, if you were a white president, then you would be getting the middle finger right about now.

by DaTruth
9:16 am - Mar 24, '12

I bet your one of these

I bet your one of these "what's in it for me" people aren't you. You need help and its too much for words. Have a seat!! And I bet you'll be voting for Newt this year won't you? So sad.

by Luckycharm
10:53 pm - Mar 24, '12

And you're one of the idiots

And you're one of the idiots who knows more about the Presidents dog than you do the bills that he has signed. Name just 3 bills that he has signed in the last year. I bet that your dumb ass can't even do it. Dummies like you should take your vote more seriously. Even the prez said to hold him acoountable. The vote is everyone's right, but your stupid ass should be exempt.

by DaTruth
12:24 pm - Mar 26, '12

Here's the GOTCHA with what

Here's the GOTCHA with what you've stated: President Obama is not just a president for black people! That's what some of you don't seem to understand! That's why some simple black folks are not so-called disappointed in what he has or has not done for "you" since he was elected. You, like so many black folks, thought you were gonna have a Ol Dirty Bastard type negro in the white house! WRONG! He still has to follow the laws of the land, the Constitution! So, you're unemployed and it's his fault? You thought he was gonna hook all his "people" up w/ a job??? WRONG! Get out of the unemployment office and get out there and find a job! You stupid people make me sick!

by SoJourner Truth
8:36 pm - Mar 24, '12

Nobody ever said that he was

Nobody ever said that he was the president of Black people. He is the president of the United States, and he has committed himself to uphold the consitution on to address the imbalances in the scales of justice. Only an idiot would believe that there is not a racial disparity and imbalance in the U.S. that effects minorities the most. If all people are to be treated equal - as outlined in our Bill of Rights and Constitution - then the presidents first responsibility is to the people of the U.S. that put him there, and he supposed to address the imbalances that tilt the scales of justice. So of y'all are just happy that a Black face in the White House, while there are other who REALLY want things to change for the better........not to just look like it has changed. Note the difference

by DaTruth
12:33 pm - Mar 26, '12

Strange... i understood

Strange... i understood Obama's words to be in reference to the ready excuses so many like to use in justification of racist attacks against black people. Excuses like, "he was a troubled child from a broken home...or, he was a member of a gang...or, he had a history with the police...tc." .All with the purpose of dirtying the person's character sufficiently to cause any outcry to seem groundless and the killing to be looked on as inevitable and as a well needed societal service. Trayvon was clean cut; he didn't fit any of the stereotypes. The meaning behind Obama's words was an unspoken yet blatant question that threw the ball of responsibility squarely back in the court of the all too ready apologizers. The question? Simple, 'what justification can there be now, when a young black man who does not fit the stereotype gets killed?' Yes, Obama is a politician - the President- and as such must use tact to silence those always ready to accuse him wrongly;in this case partiality to black people (and yes, there are those who would, as insane as we know it to sound), but at the end of it all he was right to say his son would look like Trayvon. Obama is a black man married to a black woman, it very well could have been his son - you see, being a president is for a time; being black is for life, and in still racist America it matters nt if you have financial privilege or you're from the ghetto, when you're black it's the grace of God and luck that keeps you in many instances. On another note, i'm wondering where are all the concerned citizens who not so long ago made it their life's duty to make Kony famous for his atrocities? I guess the horrible black man Kony living half a world away is a much more pressing issue than the many white Zimmermans inhabiting American soil killing black people at will and getting away with it. Hmm, oh well, i guess that's life.

by Zeva Ainka
4:04 pm - Mar 24, '12

Strange... i understood

by Zeva Ainka
4:03 pm - Mar 24, '12

Strange... i understood

by Zeva Ainka
4:02 pm - Mar 24, '12

Guess what? Barack Obama is

Guess what? Barack Obama is not a civil rights leader neither is he Jesus. He is an elected president of the United States. He's a political figure, where he has too many other things on his mind. Those people that you mentioned were dedicated to that because they were not leading a nation, a country. Nelson Mandela is one of my heroes, but tell me how many jobs he created, or how much he did for black South Africans during his presidency? This is to show you that being a political figure is different than being a philanthropist, humanitarian or an activist. You sound like one of those people who will deliberately twist his words just to point him out as the bad guy. Him saying, if he had a son, he will look like Trayvon is a personal connection he made that as a black president, I take this seriously. It's unrealistic for Obama's main focus should be to fight against racism, for blacks in the White House. and this is just his first term. I will encourage, black people to educate themselves, enlighten themselves about politics, supreme court, basically the US government. Then, you will have better understanding, knowledge instead of talking out of ignorance and naivety.

by TRUTHHURTS
3:45 pm - Mar 24, '12

@DaTruth...True

@DaTruth...True Dat...everything you said....It's sad that some people don't realize this man is strictly politics. This little boys death gave him an oppurtunity to play like he can Identify with black folks...who are really out here having to live this.... wondering if their kids are okay. This country has made the black male a target. with bad images and the bad deeds by a few. So EVERY black boy and man is up to something. IF he had a son....well you don't.

by EverybodyWannaBeAStar
1:19 pm - Mar 24, '12

Where have you been?! He has

Where have you been?! He has had many racial slurs against him since he has been in office and he has handled every incident with class. Just recently a judge forwarded an email with a joke essentially saying his father was a dog (look it up for the specific wording). He has constant threats on his life because he is black. He is the MAIN target that they want to get!!! If they can get to him with all of his security, then the average black man is really in trouble. Stop blaming him for your miserable life. Make changes for yourself and stop wanting someone else to do it for you!!

by Luckycharm
11:01 pm - Mar 24, '12

With all due respect, Pres.

With all due respect, Pres. Obama has acted. The Justice Department (which is under the Executive Branch that he heads) is investigating the case. I am happy that is happening and maybe that will put pressure on the Fla. State Atty General's office as well. Let's also remember that Pres. Obama is not Santa Claus, St. Patrick or the Tooth Fairy. The presidential powers, as expansive as they are, have Constitutional limits. Let us all continue to work and pray for justice. My heart goes out to Trayvon, his family, and all black children affected by senseless violence. Hopefully Mr. Zimmerman, with the mountain of evidence against him, is arrested soon. I can't stand the idea that he's still allowed to roam the streets, with his glock in hand. Truly sickening.

by God Bless Us All
12:52 pm - Mar 24, '12

You re right he's not St.

You re right he's not St. Patrick, Santa Claus or Mother Teresa, Martin Luther or Malcolm. and no one expects him to be. He could have made calls in private. That little spill was uncalled for. sorry. I know they asked him...but we didn't need the election talk...either.

by EverybodyWannaBeAStar
1:28 pm - Mar 24, '12

How the hell do you know for

How the hell do you know for sure that he didn't make private calls!!!!!! When was the last time you had the list of calls made by the President and what did you do to get such special privileges?! I DONT THINK SO!!!!!!

by Luckycharm
11:09 pm - Mar 24, '12

I'm impartial to most of

I'm impartial to most of these comments, but I def agree that your ^^^ comment above held a valid point and your opinion makes mad sense. Although I agree with most of what our President says, I still say that, if the things that occur in my hood (South L.A.), occured even REMOTELY close to the white house, governor's mansion...etc. what would the outcome be. What would they (the government) really say/do then...its sad. And sickening. These pedophiles...Lawd...I pray every day that the Lord keeps his hand of protection on all children. That they are reminded that they can do all things through Christ who strengthens them. That all children are more than conquerors, and that they learn to be leaders and not followers. #protectourchildren

by Rae Nache'
12:44 pm - Mar 24, '12

I'm impartial to most of

by Rae Nache'
12:40 pm - Mar 24, '12

I'm impartial to most of

by Rae Nache'
12:38 pm - Mar 24, '12

WHAT ARE U TALKING ABOUT?!

WHAT ARE U TALKING ABOUT?! YOU MISSED THE WHOLE POINT OF OBAMA'S SPEECH!

by Anonymous
11:39 am - Mar 24, '12

President Obama can only do

President Obama can only do so much-give the man a damn chance to win another election first! I respect our President for getting involved in this matter, because he could easily look the other way instead of saying anything at all! President Obama cannot fix the racism America, Britain and some other sneaky countries have conjured up overnight-give him a chance! President Obama has a lot on his plate and he does the best he possibly can-stay positive and focused on your goals for now and things will get better for everyone.

by Anonymous
9:42 am - Mar 24, '12

If Obama had a son he would

by DaTruth
9:16 am - Mar 24, '12

u took the words right out of

u took the words right out of my mouth. i was disgusted when i heard obabmas speech. hes the president, get fat ass racist george zizzerman in jail! who cares of how your son wouldve looked!

by Anonymous
12:40 pm - Mar 24, '12

Why don't you get your

Why don't you get your ignorant self educated. The president doesn't operate on some ghetto rules. When it comes to this type of situation, there are rules, regulation and protocols you have to systematically follow especially as a president

by TRUTHHURTS
3:55 pm - Mar 24, '12

I cannot believe how STUPID

I cannot believe how STUPID this is... U missed the point! smdh... He wasnt speaking in the literal sense!

by Cookie D
12:25 pm - Mar 24, '12

Who cares if President

Who cares if President Obama's kids will be looked after. Their father worked hard to get where he is. You're basically putting his down for being successful.

by Anonymous
9:26 am - Mar 24, '12

nope...but the truth is the

nope...but the truth is the truth....his children will have protection and would have never been exposed to a George Zimmerman. Even ...just going to the corner store. So, don't take the topic out of context...stay on topic. No one is knocking him for being successful...unfortunetly some people don't realize that there are many hard working black folks in America that are good citizens and raise their kids that way. Just because they can't sit on Lettermans couch...don't mean they don't exist.

by EverybodyWannaBeAStar
1:37 pm - Mar 24, '12

I am deeply saddened by this

I am deeply saddened by this mess-If you ask me it is a open and shut case,I can't say too much because I'm at work but God be with Treyvon and his family!

by arealblkwoman
8:00 am - Mar 24, '12

I'm highly dissapointed ybf

I'm highly dissapointed ybf that it takes a celebrity to get you to talk about this case. I've been coming to this blog everyday since this tragedy but nothing has been said. we get posts on what x wore today and what ratchet thing y did but nothing on this story. where's your sense of social consciousness. As a community we are trying to come together to raise awareness on racial profiling and stereotyping and it matters even if the "celebrities" don't tweet about it. RIP Trayvon.

by Anonymous
8:00 am - Mar 24, '12

I LOVE OBAMA he has not just

I LOVE OBAMA he has not just spoke he been speaking on this matter who y'all think sent the FBI and Gov agencies in to see WTH is up.....Justice will be served for TRAYVON RIP .....and LOVE YOU MORE *THE HEAT* what a classy beautiful thing to do for Trayvon

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6:36 am - Mar 24, '12

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by Anonymous
4:45 am - Mar 24, '12

All the idiots complaining he

All the idiots complaining he came out too late should SHUT UP. He came out, said what he needs to say, let's appreciate it. It's not easy to be a president let alone having a black president in the White House that is ruled by old white men. Geez, these same black people were the ones bashing him the most prior to this. Are you guys serious? Black people don't know how to be strategic and support each other. If you want him to address black issues, be diplomatic about it, don't be going around cursing him out, and some of these black educators who know what they are talking about should speak to the media more to shut down those racists always attacking Obama. Show the media your full Obama support first, challenge the media, we need to fight for our rights/freedom more instead we sit behind our computers, complain all day not do anything about it. In addition, we need to STOP depending on the government for some MIRACLE. Change starts from our family, community, church, among ourselves. Obama is not going to save the black community just because he's black.

by TRUTHHURTS
3:56 am - Mar 24, '12

Racism was created by the

Racism was created by the Europeans to elevate themselves over blacks. White, have always been symbolized as pure and good. While black have always been associated with everything negative. It's interesting watching how those in the media, on one hand, is desparately trying to act like there was nothing racial about what took place in Florida against Trayvon. But, at the same time, the predominately white media is doing what they have always done against blacks when faced with a situation like this, automatically defend the white person as being a good and upstanding individual, while going over the entire background of the black person to see what little blemish they can blow and use as proof that the black man caused his death. That in and of itself is racist. Trayvon every move since he was born is being combed over by the media and police looking for any signs that he might have caused his own death. In the meantime, the killer gets to makes claims against Travon without anyone challenging him. And he also, gets a free pass because he has never been accused of "violence" in the past. I guess being suspended from school for tardiness should be enough for those in the media to to spin into Trayvon being a trouble-maker and deserved his killing. You folks must know by now how the game is played. It's funny how we now being told as blacks to "stop playing the race-card" when not only did they invent it, but they still dictated how the card is to be dealt. Watch by the time the outrage dies down, the media will be painting Trayvon as the culprit and Zimmerman the victim. Racism is only to be used by those who invented it.

by tellmeaboutit
3:52 am - Mar 24, '12

Im glad he FINALLY spoke out.

Im glad he FINALLY spoke out. But like someone else said , when rush called Sandra Fluke a slut, Obama CALLED HER 2 DAYS LATER and APOLOGIZED FOR RUSH!!! Like goddamn man, i guess his people had to write up his script and tell him what to say, wait to see if it died down but it didn't so they told him to speak on it..... And niggas are eating this shit up!!!!He never really want to speak on issues like this and he try his best to dodge them because HE DONT WANT TO OFFEND WHITE PEOPLE. And i understand that, i really do. But hey man atleast he spoke !!

by LetsGetIt
2:27 am - Mar 24, '12

President Obama is a

President Obama is a methodical thinker. Unlike YOU, he understands that he has to be careful about when & what he says when speaking to the public. Remember the Gates situation? Anything he says is disectted and can cause the whole situation to turn into something other than TRAYVON MARTIN. Him rushing to speak on this, would make it easier for the opposition to turn this into a polorizing topic that could affect the case negatively. He is the president of the United States, not the President of black people. Please give the man credit for allowing enough information to come out before making a sensible, touching statement that couldn't be turned into something other than what it really is. #IAMTRAYVON

by iamtrayvon
1:43 pm - Mar 24, '12

President Obama is a

by iamtrayvon
1:39 pm - Mar 24, '12

President Obama is a

by iamtrayvon
9:04 am - Mar 24, '12

President Obama is a

by iamtrayvon
8:27 am - Mar 24, '12

President Obama is a

by iamtrayvon
8:26 am - Mar 24, '12

The Republican police chief

The Republican police chief - DID NOTHING! The Republican GOVERNOR of Florida - DID NOTHING! President Obama sent the FBI to Florida to investigate the case! President Obama sent the Justice Department to Florida to investigate the case! FACTS!

by Sam
1:57 am - Mar 24, '12

Is this the same President

Is this the same President that had a sit down with a racist cop that violated the Black Harvard Professor's rights and invited that coward to the white house for a beer. I can clearly remember him stating to us black people that we needed to get passed it. Now look at what has happen not only two years later a helpless child is dead. If he is so concerned now he should have addressed then the unfair treatment of African Americans. You all who are so color struck need to be attacking the wrongs in this land. I know we the righteous must stand up against the wicked. Because is this the real battle you are up against on a daily.I don't stand for a puppet of a so-called President who out right denouced my people when it came to a racist cop arresting a black man in front of his own home. Wake-up people don't be sympathetic, he wants to get reelected. Will say anything to play on your emotions. Just maybe if he really took racism seriously this child could be alive. R.I.P.Trayvon

by Heal The World
1:31 am - Mar 24, '12

Is this the same President

by Heal The World
1:22 am - Mar 24, '12

I think the statement

I think the statement President Obama made was very appropriate, very heart felt, and very true - what President Obama is saying is that this child Trayvon could easily have been MY black son, walking home from the store after buying candy, and ice tea -- and tragically stalked, and shot down in the street by some man who simply FELT that MY son did not belong in that neighbourhood, and looked suspicious, because of his color. I think President Obama's statement gets alot of people - especially NON BLACK people to think - to see - how dangerous having bias, and using stereotypes against people simply because of skin color, can easily result in tragedy.

by Sam
1:22 am - Mar 24, '12

Here here...

by TheFashionistachic
2:19 am - Mar 24, '12

I expect that since the

I expect that since the justice department have finally decided to descend from their high horses to deal with this case (after extensive pressure from the public was put on them), they better come up with something solidifying to see that Zimmerman recieves the fullest punishment possible because there was more than pure intentions of racial hatred and stereotyping to this case. He targeted the boy because he was black, he stereotyped him because he was black, finally he ultimately killed him because he was BLACK. And thought he could get away with it by feigning self-defense. He defied the 911 coordintor by putting matters in his own hands an administring "justice", and shooting the gun whiles he was specifically told not to shoot, and that proves he had intentions to kill or at least harm the boy in some way. A boy who he openly admits was armless. I will be uber mad if Zimmerman is even charged with something meager as man-slaughter. The justice department better come up with something good that will see Zimmerman punished to the fullest, or else all HELL will definitely break loose in this country, because these types of stereotypes NEED to STOP. And we are beginning with Zimmerman!!!