In a summer filled with violence and anger, we heard the rallying cries of “Black Lives Matter,” “Blue Lives Matter” and “All Lives Matter.” Each feels like the truth for the person speaking it, yet each seems to further divide us, so Steve Harvey will present the “Race and Policing Town Hall" airing Thursday at 4 p.m. on CBS 6.
Steve assembles a diverse audience made up of people who want to bridge the gap, including concerned police officers and those who say they live in fear of police, along with people who are just frustrated by the national crisis and want to help work toward a solution.
Steve devotes the entire hour to having an honest discussion about the crisis, and what each and every one of us can do to bridge this deep divide plaguing our nation.
Special guests for the hour include Charles Kinsey (an African American mental health therapist in Florida who was unarmed when he was shot by police as he tried to help his autistic patient), Tonja Garafola (the widow of Brad Garafola, an East Baton Rouge Sheriff's Deputy murdered this summer in what investigators say was retaliation for the death of Alton Sterling) and Ja’Mal Green (a member of the “Black Lives Matter” movement in Chicago and an outspoken critic of police tactics).
“Let me be the first to say, as an activist here in Chicago, we do not condone violence against police officers," Green says. "I believe that every community member and every police officer should go home to their families.”
He then walks and hugs Tonja Garafola in an emotional exchange.
“We’re with you," Green says. "That should not have happened. This should not get to the point where people go over the edge. Everybody just want to be heard.”
Rapper and South Central LA native The Game also joins the conversation via Skype to talk about the peaceful march he helped organize in Los Angeles this summer with fellow rapper Snoop Dogg. The march was highlighted by a meeting with the Mayor and Police Chief of LA. Milwaukee Police Chief Edward Flynn joins Steve with first-hand accounts of the rioting that took place in his city this summer after an officer-involved shooting, discussing the challenges facing police departments around the country and what his department is doing to solve the crisis.
And “Steve Harvey” cameras will document Deputy Matt Faile with the Chester County Sheriff’s Office in South Carolina who agrees to take Robert DIngle, a teen involved with the “Black Lives Matter” movement in Chicago, on a ride-along to promote better understanding on both sides.
Steve is joined by African American country artist Coffey Anderson, who made a video this summer educating people on what to do when pulled over by the police.
And Steve shares the tips that he has given to his own kids about how to safely interact with police if they are ever pulled over while driving.
Watch "Steve Harvey" weekdays at 4 p.m. on CBS 6!
