North Miami Church Seeks Answers In Bridging Racial Divide
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MIAMI (CBSMiami) – The shootings in Dallas underscore the growing racial divide in our country.
At the North Miami Avenue Church of God, a small group with large hope prayed for the victims in Dallas.
"It hurts very much. Why would someone want to gun down so many policeman, people protecting us?" said mourner Lurline Blackelmar.
Among those still trying to process five officers killed was Miami Gardens police officer Doretha Hall.
"Communities need to understand we're here to help our citizens, not harm anyone. To help them, do a job," Hall said.
But that job is getting tougher with repeated images of police officers killing African-American men.
From Philando Castile in Minnesota to Alton Sterling in Baton Rouge – and closer to home, Corey Jones in Palm Beach Gardens.
"I do think there is a racial divide, but I'm hoping people will all learn to get along," said Fort Lauderdale resident Chad Stark.
A recent Pew Research Center survey finds our racial divide is real.
The survey says far more African Americans believe they are treated unfairly more often than whites –particularly when it comes to dealing with the police to getting ahead. As far as achieving equality, 38 percent of whites say changes have been made while only 8 percent of Africa Americans feel that way.
"Law enforcement is doing a good job, but there are some that is among us that don't have a good intention," said Delroy Campbell of Miami. "I know this in my heart."
The question for now is how to bridge this great divide.
"Dealing with tension is identifying the cause and try the best possible to find a solution," said Pastor Vinell Robinson.
