Change only happens where common people get involved: Barack Obama

In his farewell speech to the nation in Chicago, his adoptive hometown, the Mr Obama said, the long sweep of America has been defined by forward motion, a constant widening of the founding creed to embrace all. He said, if America is unwilling to invest in the children of immigrants, it is diminishing the prospects of its own youth. 

Outgoing US President Barack Obama has said, he has learned that change only happens when ordinary people get involved and come together to demand it.The US President said, going forward, they must uphold laws against discrimination - in hiring, in



housing, in education and the criminal justice system. He said, racism is still a divisive force.

The US President said, the country's democracy will not work without a sense that everyone has economic opportunity.Mr Obama said, in the past eight years, they have cut dependence on foreign oil, doubled renewable energy and signed the Paris Agreement.

The US President said, now it is his turn to say thank you. He pledged smooth transition of power to his successor, Donald Trump.

First Lady Michelle Obama and Vice President Joe Biden are also present on the occasion.