Tensions between the African American community and police forces charged with maintaining order and racial boundaries have a long history. Understanding it better will illuminate our present situation and future possibilities. Jonathan Wells (Faculty, STP Program RC) will cover some of the most important dimensions of these dynamics in the 19th century. Heather Ann Thompson (Faculty, STP PRogram RC) will provide an overview of policing in the ear of mass incarceration. Detroit author and mentor Shaka Senghor, well known for is writings, lectures and TED Talk on growing up in a community ravaged by the drug war and serving time in the prison system, will speak on policing in Detroit and how it has impacted the black community.