Last year, a large part of the United States was overwhelmed with powerful demonstrations, with thousands protesting against what they felt were strong-arm tactics by Police which led to the deaths of two black men and a young black boy.

Although there were complex circumstances in each case, the general view was that racial profiling was a factor and this caused a shadow over the nation’s entire Police force.

For weeks, many excellent black and white officers were trying to carry out their duties under a cloud of anti-Police sentiment, which rocked America and ignited ferocious debate over whether racism was at the centre of the actions of some Police.

The fever pitch of emotion was attributed to one man arming himself and, after posting his intentions on social media, killed two NYPD officers as they sat in their patrol car.

The murder of these officers while they were on duty touched America and many protesters of all races were galvanised in a broader statement that called for a more open discussion on the issue of racism, in an effort to avoid more incidents that keep Americans from taking a seat at the table of brotherhood, envisioned by the late, great, civil rights leader Dr Martin Luther King Jr.

Black History Month seems an appropriate time to look more closely at a subject that too often is pushed into the background because sensitivity can be high on both sides.

However, the subject will not go away because, without frank and honest discussion, hidden pockets of people who continue to hate others because they look different or worship in a different way will make the brotherhood table a distant dream.

Flames of bitterness and prejudice from the dark period of slavery have not been extinguished, but a better understanding of human differences is a never ending struggle that has affected cultures across the globe. Despite considerable progress, the battle for freedom and justice continues today.

Lingering negative attitudes prompted the head of the FBI, James Comey, to openly state that just about everyone has some type of bias against certain people, whether it be based on race or otherwise.

During an address on race last week, he said that some Police officers who saw a black man wearing certain clothing would view him differently from a white man with a similar outfit on the other side of the road.

He said such profiling had to be examined openly and frankly to improve relationships between the Police and various communities.

But even as efforts to build confidence between the Police and the public continue, there was an incident in Alabama last week during which Police conduct reached another low.

An Indian man who spoke little English was on his way to visit a relative. While walking, he was spotted by Police, who had a report of someone suspicious in the area.

They approached him and, because he had trouble understanding their questions, he was violently thrown to the ground. Fortunately, another Police vehicle caught the incident on camera. The officer involved was fired and arrested. The innocent man was taken to hospital with injuries that left him partially paralysed. Incidents of this nature show how important it is to weed out officers who have a problem with people of different racial or ethnic backgrounds.

Everyone knows policework can be dangerous at times but officers are expected to be well trained to serve communities with professional conduct under all circumstances.

In a world where diversity is so prevalent in just about every country through travel and opportunities, the need to understand different cultures is paramount if we are to live together in peace.

Once again the subject of hate crimes is at the forefront in America, and President Barack Obama has condemned the murder last week of three Muslim students over an alleged parking dispute. The FBI is probing the matter, which has all the ingredients of a hate crime.

Here in Bermuda we have much to be proud of, although most of us are fully aware that there is much work to be done in moving completely out of the shadows of prejudice from the period of social injustice that prevented full participation based on skin colour.

The golden opportunity is that our children, in learning history, must also be taught that everyone regardless of race or religious background should be respected as an intricate part of a healthy, free society.

Bermuda has had many heroes, black and white, who will never have their names in lights but who quietly toiled to move the Island closer to that elusive brotherhood table.

We can only hope the day will come when the only problem will be finding more chairs for those wishing to sit with people who are different in the true spirit of harmony and peace.