Obama gives searing speech on race in eulogy for Charleston pastor

President speaks of ‘systemic oppression’ and leads congregation in singing of Amazing Grace at funeral for state senator and reverend Clementa Pinckney

Obama led the congregation in a rendition of Amazing Grace during his eulogy for Rev Clementa Pinckney. Link to video

Ed Pilkington in Charleston, South Carolina-Friday 26 June 2015

Wrapping his words in the cloak of a church sermon, deploying the inflections and oratorical rhythms of a pastor, Barack Obama delivered one of his most searing speeches on modern race relations in America at a funeral service in Charleston on Friday.

Obama Gives Searing Speech on Race in Eulogy for Charleston Pastor by Thavam Ratna