In 1990, the town of Teaneck, New Jersey - a community renowned as a model of national unity and peace - became embroiled in a confrontation over race, dignity, and fairness after a white police officer shot and killed a Black teenager.

Riots broke out. The town engaged in an examination over its racial policies, from the police department to the school system. Were the efforts of Teaneck, New Jersey dating back to the 1950s to build racial harmony real? Why didn’t those efforts prevent another tragedy of police killing an African-American under questionable circumstances?

Featuring voiceover by the Emmy-winning Keith David, this limited series explores the American tragedy of race, police shootings, and the search for justice. The series features firsthand accounts, insights, and perspectives from the most prominent voices in civil rights and police reform -- from U.S. Senator Cory Booker to Congresswoman Karen Bass to the Rev. Al Sharpton, civil rights attorney DeWitt Lacy, activist Nupol Kiazolu and others.

In this episode, COLOR LINES author and local reporter Mike Kelly starts by examining the mystery of what happened in Teaneck and powerful perspectives from academic and activists’ voices join the discussion - from Nupol Kiazolu to Dr. John Murillo III and Dr. Janus Adams. 

In honor of the podcast episode focus on activism, listeners are encouraged to support Color of Change. Click here to learn more: https://colorofchange.org/. 

Visit the podcast website to listen to all episodes: https://www.upwardmediapartners.com/colorlinespodcastinterviewseries 

Time Stamps 

00:00 Introduction

02:34 Mike Kelly on the town of Teaneck 

05:29 Nupol Kiazolu on Trayvon Martin and her activism calling 

09:27 Dr. John Murillo III on Black culture and existence post-slavery

15:30 Mike Kelly discusses the similarities between Teaneck then and police shootings today

18:13 One woman shares her story of driving and being racially profiled

20:20 Reverend Al Sharpton talks about police accountability

22:34 Dr. Janus Adams examines the root causes of systematic racism 

26:12 One woman shares her story witnessing police brutality

28:08 Carrio Bennett discusses police misconduct and the link to urban areas

30:09 Nupol Kiazolu on why activism is essential today for younger generations 

31:37 Conclusion