6 Times Black TV Shows Perfectly Portrayed Policing in America

These TV shows weren't afraid to "go there."

This post is part of a weekly series celebrating #ThrowbackThursday with reflections of our favorite childhood memories, past pop culture moments and more!

Police brutality and racial profiling are important issues in the black community and over the years, some of our favorite black TV shows have completely nailed it when discussing these powerful subjects.

Some of the shows broached the issue with a comedic spin while others tackled the topic with much more sensitivity, but the messages embedded in them all are just as relevant as ever.

Here are six "woke" moments from black TV shows that weren't afraid to confront the important issue of policing in America:

Pacific Press via Getty Images
Click through the following slideshow for a series of clips as television delves into one of today's most pressing issues.
"Family Matters": Carl Confronts Racist Cops
Family Matters
In this episode of "Family Matters," senior ranking cop Carl Winslow confronts two racist police officers who roughed up his son for failing to signal.
"The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air": Uncle Phil vs. Ignorant Cop
The Fresh Prince Of Bel Air

Aunt Viv and Uncle Phil speak out against a cop who wrongly locked up Will and Carlton.

"Everybody Hates Chris": Racial Profiling
Everybody Hates Chris

Chris Rock tells us that even black children can be affected by racial profiling in this comical and relevant clip.

"In Living Color": The Police Dog Audition
In Living Color
The mainly black sketch comedy show often touched on themes of discrimination. In this scene, Jamie Foxx mentions Rodney King and talks about collecting reparations from the police force after they shot his dog.
"The Boondocks": Uncle Ruckus And The Police
The Boondocks

"The Boondocks" had an unfiltered and hilarious approach toward discussing racial politics. This clip showed that no one, even the white-idolizing character Uncle Ruckus, was safe from police brutality.

"The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air": Hands Up In The Courtroom
The Fresh Prince Of Bel Air
After taking the stand, Jazz keeps his hands up when he is approached by the white bailiff. When he is asked to put his hands down, he says, "No way. Dude's got a gun. Next thing you know I got six warning shots in my back."

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