Former U.S. president Barack Obama called on young people of colour to stay hopeful about their power to make things better amid ongoing protests against police violence that have erupted across the country.

Obama addressed protesters and police alike in opening a virtual town hall discussion hosted by the Obama Foundation on reimaging policing on Wednesday evening.

I want you to know that you matter, he said, addressing people of colour who he said have witnessed too much violence at the hands of police. I want you to know that your lives matter, that your dreams matter.

Then he addressed police officers: I want to acknowledge the folks in law enforcement that share the goals of re-imagining police. I know youre just as outraged about tragedies in the recent weeks as are many protesters.

The event brought together politicians and activists working in the police reform movement to discuss specific actions needed to transform the system.