Understand
Barack Obama pays tribute to Manchester cotton workers during UK tour
Overview
During an appearance at Manchester's Co-op Live Arena as part of his UK tour, former US President Barack Obama praised the city's historical cotton workers for refusing to handle slave-picked cotton during the American Civil War. Speaking to an audience in an event hosted by Afua Hirsch, Obama cited their actions as an example of ordinary people driving social change and highlighted modern challenges such as online misinformation and a loss of social trust.
Key points
- Barack Obama spoke at Manchester's Co-op Live Arena on Thursday night as part of his 'A Conversation With' tour.
- He praised Manchester cotton workers who refused to handle slave-picked cotton during the American Civil War despite the cost to their own livelihoods.
- The event was hosted by writer and broadcaster Afua Hirsch.
- Obama discussed modern societal challenges, describing online misinformation as one of the biggest dangers currently faced.
- He also touched upon topics including a breakdown in social trust and the human brain's susceptibility to anger and fear online.