This panel discussion about racism, the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement, acts of police violence and brutality, and the killings of police, is a public conversation that is remarkable for its combination of frankness and civility. Presented by Arlington Community Media Inc. (ACMi), the forum includes the Chief of Police, an activist member of the clergy, a Cultural Media Studies professor, and a female African-American college student of impressive poise and thoughtfulness. A tone of mutual respect and empathy is maintained throughout, even as vexing issues of racism and sexism are faced head on, specific ideas for improving the situation are presented and debated, and there is no pulling of punches. This exchange serves as an excellent model for the public conversations that must take place around the nation if relations between the police and communities of color are to improve for real and for good.
