I would say he was speaking to a black audience, largely ignorant of American history, knowing that he was well insulated from American eyes and ears, in order to dry run what may well become his position on reparations - as the fervor for apologies (and more) builds stateside.

You can bet he recorded his own words, will listen to them many times, and will fine tune them for American consumption. That is his way. In addition to escaping the day-to-day political drams playing out here in the halls of Congress, that is also the reason for so many trips overseas.

Stay tuned and you will see.