Too Blue To Be Black, Too Black To Be Blue

Synopsis:
They are African-American men and women, who choose everyday to serve and protect.
But “Do the Community and Caucasian Officers accept African American officers?”
Despite that question, Black and Brown Officers have functioned and continue to function as the color paradigm shifts from a predominately white male occupation to a more blended work force. This documentary from a personal perspective will explore the history of those relationships in the land of the free.

Filmmakers Personal Inspiration:
Often thought but rarely spoken by comrades: Black police officers cannot be loyal to the “Thin Blue Line.” The African-American community expresses the same sentiments.

Filmmakers Historical Inspiration:
In the early 1800’s New Orleans had “Free Men of Color” who served as police officers known as “City Guard.” It wasn’t until approximately 1871 when African American police officers began to fully enforce all laws on all citizens. Often not respected and frequently shunned by both white officers and civilians, African American officers maintained their professional integrity and courage by serving their communities honorably and fairly.
(Executives, 1998)

Framework of Documentary:
The purpose of this documentary, as told from several perspectives including that of an African-American Officers perspective, is to explore how black law enforcement officers are perceived by their white comrades, the African-American community and non-African American community as it relates to their role in law enforcement: Is loyalty an issue when race is a factor for white officers/black community; white officer/black defendant; black officer/white community; black officer/white defendant? Victim warning or enforcement, is there a disparity?
Are African American officers accepted among their own community?