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American history and the black experience are inextricable. And both are inextricable from policing. Far more often than not, that's been a good thing.

American law enforcement officers understand that race is and has been a heated issue in our country. Most appreciate the vital need for thoroughness and transparency in pursuit of the greater good in their actions and in their investigations.

Unfortunately, in places like Ferguson, in New York City and in some communities across this nation, there is a disconnect between police agencies and the citizens they serve, predominately in communities of color.

Race is used, by all of us, in the most manipulative ways, is often force-fit and reduced to something it isn't, to something that gives us a sense of comfort, a false one. Many of us thought - needed to feel - the whole business was 'settled.' But it's not, never has been. Laws have only taken us so far.

For people of color - especially African Americans - the idea that racist cops might frame members of their community is no abstract notion, let alone an exercise in irrational conspiracy theorizing. Rather, it speaks to a social reality about which blacks are acutely aware.

Race is a layer of being, but not a culmination.

Communities of color don't understand what it means to be a police officer, the fear that police officers have in just being on the streets.

The race problem in the United States is the type of unpleasant problem which we would rather do without but which refuses to be buried.

Race is still real and you got to recognize it.