Black and Blue: WRAL examines community-police relations

As the tension between law enforcement and the African-American community builds in North Carolina and around the country, WRAL on Tuesday night presents an unprecedented two-hour community conversation on TV, web and social media.

In September 2015, Shakina Biggs' son, Lavonte Biggs, was shot and killed by police.

"It's very hard for me to sit here and say if he was of a different race in a different neighborhood, that we would be dead," she said. "When they police in our neighborhood, it's different. It's a little more hostile. We just want to be treated like everyone else wants to be treated."

Durham police sergeant Dale Gunter said he does treat everyone equally, but understands why many in the African-American community do not trust police.

"Cops have screwed up," Gunter said. "When you hire human beings, you're going to have a few that make mistakes. And then, you've got a few that are outright breaking the law."

Gunter says the vast majority of police officers are honest and want to do good work. He said many just need to communicate better.

"Police can talk to citizens a whole lot more, no matter their color," Gunter said. "Most important tool I have is my ability to speak to someone with my mouth."

Immediately following the documentary, the conversation will continue with a 90-minute discussion. WRAL invited community leader and speaker Tru Pettigrew to moderate a critical conversation about race with law enforcement, faith leaders, and members of the black community.