Obama urges Americans to 'defend US values' in farewell speech

CHICAGO, United States (Kurdistan24) – During his farewell address on Tuesday, President of the United States Barack Obama said he was hopeful Americans would continue to protect democracy and US values.

Obama delivered his speech in his native town of Chicago in front of nearly 18,000 attendees. 

The President encouraged the crowd and all Americans to reject hateful rhetoric and discrimination without mentioning President-elect Donald Trump specifically. 

Trump was criticized during his 2016 election campaign for his views of Muslims and Mexicans in the US as well as his degrading talks about women. 

He even suggested a temporary ban on Muslims entering the country and said he would build a wall with Mexico to control illegal immigration. 

“So just as we, as citizens, must remain vigilant against external aggression, we must guard against a weakening of the values that make us who we are,” Obama said during his speech. 

“After my election, there was talk of a post-racial America,” he continued. “Such a vision, however well-intended, was never realistic.”

“Race remains a potent and often divisive force in our society,” the President added.

Obama celebrated his historic achievement as the first black US President in 2008.

Despite a difficult decade under his presidency including racially-motivated police brutality, Obama remained optimistic that Americans will “defend democracy.”

“I learned that change only happens when ordinary people get involved, and they get engaged, and come together to demand it,” he said. 

“If we don't create opportunity for all people, the disaffection and division that has stalled our progress will only sharpen in years to come," Obama warned. 

Trump and his Republican Congress officially take office after the President-elect’s inauguration on Jan. 20.  

Editing by Ava Homa