Having a disproportionately negative effect on the africanamerican population, and then there are so many reminders of the pandemic of racism. And i think the incident in minneapolis and what was the straw that breaks the camels back. Reporter add all of that to the hurt and anger after the killings of trayvon martin, philando castille, sandra bland, all leading to outrage in the streets. Talking about what happened to people like sean bell, eric garner. Reporter this time the protest and outrage isnt just marching through black and brown communities, and their faces look like all corners of america. Theyre on main street, outside the white house. These americans are forcing the tough conversations, and its not always easy to watch. I certainly think that theres some awakening happening within segments that White America that perhaps have hit the Snooze Button on previous incidents. We saw eric garner and we hit the Snooze Button. Philando castille, we hit the Snooze Button. Its sort of like that Snooze Button on the alarm clock, eventually we all get out of bed. Coming up, how america can move forward. Our byron pitts joins us to talk about how far weve come and how the next generation will advance the american journey. Weve always got your back, but through all of this. You made it happen. You made our friday nights. You even made us dessert. So, to help you get back to full strength, were giving away free reopening kits at our website so you can safely reopen your doors. For all you do, from all of us, let us help you make it. A lot of the anger from the massive protests in this country is driven by personal experiences that hit home for so many of us as journalists right here at abc. Last night abcs byron pitts coanchored a primetime special america in pain. We spoke after and i got byrons reaction to an incredible moment. Some of our abc news colleagues sharing their own experiences of being black in america. Throughout my life, my smile has helped keep me alive. As a black man, if i show too much anger, then youre scared of me. Shouldnt be the case. Being a young black male, you could be perceived immediately as a threat. It impacts the way i approach people. We were standing just minutes away from our live shots for world news tonight. And a pickup truck whizzes behind me. And yells out [ bleep ]. He just yelled out the n word. Joining us is our friend and colleague byron pitts. Incredible job with that primetime special earlier overnight. Hearing our abc news colleagues, hearing you talk about being black in america, being a black journalist, extremely powerful. People would be surprised to hear those things, but really, they shouldnt be surprised or stunned to hear those things coming out of a black mans mouth. Right, yeah. I mean, it was certainly the network had to make a choice to allow us to tell the story. As you know, in our business, its never about us, its about the people who have the opportunity to tell their stories. But we thought it was helpful in trying to bringing clarity and context to people as to why these issues are so important, we thought, why not take these professionals who are well known, people trust them in their homes, to say, this is my experience with these issues. And so grateful to my colleagues, to pierre, to t. J. , to everyone who you saw in the piece, who were able to speak their truth. When it comes to and excuse me, forgive me, i have to brag. Youve been a mentor of mine for a little bit. I dont want to share our age here. But for my entire career. And you are a veteran journalist and one i look up to. You have been in the game for a while. Youve seen, youve covered race in america. How does this time now compare to what youve seen in the past . As you know, i am an optimistic person by choice. My faith demands that of me. I feel like that we continually make progress. America is an imperfect place, but we are still, as many would say, the best option on earth. So i think what history shows us is that we move forward. There are difficult moments. This isnt the first difficult in our nations history. From the Civil Rights Era to things that occurred before then to our history with slavery. But whats always been true thus far about america is we get to a point, theres conflict, theres tension, theres bitterness, and yes, people die. But we learn from it and we move forward. And oftentimes it is the next generation that moves us forward. Theres always talk about the greatest generation. Well, there have been many great generations in our nation. I think part of what were seeing right now is the young people. Not just black, but young people of every race, of every background, of every economic class. Who are saying, if the promise of america is to be true, we have to do better. People of my age would say, americas come a long way. But for this current generation theyll say, okay, but she has further to go, and let us take you there. And so i think it is part of the american journey, not always easy, but always moving forward. What youve been seeing each night of protests, it is disheartening to see the violence, especially when its all lumped up into what the peaceful protests are doing during the day. How do people separate the distraction that were seeing . Because the violence is a distraction from the main cause. In many ways i think were all part of the same family, right . Were all part of one race, the human race. For any of us who have ever felt like other in our lives, in this great country that we live in, that you learn to be comfortable with the uncomfortable. So yes, this is an uncomfortable moment for america. And i think that in many ways is part of who we are and its okay. Its not good. Its not right. But its okay. And we will be okay as a nation. I believe that deeply. Thank you, sir. Byron is a spiritual leader here for a lot of us here at abc news. We do thank him. It was striking, it was incredible to hear our abc news colleagues, people of color, talk about their experiences. And when i heard them, i cosigned. I have similar experiences when it comes to stereotypes and dealing with police and traffic stops. And so to hear them talk about that. Yes, those are professionals. We are professionals. Were journalists. Were taught to be objective, to tell the facts. But the facts are, there are biases. There are implicit, unconscious bias that costs people of color to lose their lives every single day. If anything, it helps provide context. Because they understand firsthand the rage and the anger and frustration that people are feeling. Feeling. Are test test about the Colonial Penn program. 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For so Many Americans these past few days have felt like the nations very social fabric has been stretched almost to the breaking point. But amid the scenes of violence and anger, the quiet moments of great courage and acts of determination. Heres abcs david muir. Reporter they are the images also being shared across this nation and theyre just as important. The communities where officers have said to the demonstrators, were with you. Officers kneeling during a demonstration in coral gables, florida. His department saying it was in memory of george floyd and bringing attention to Police Violence against black people. The protesters themselves reaching out, trying to break down barriers too. In los angeles near the steps of city hall, a protester shaking the hand of a National Guardsman after others shouted insults. That demonstrator wanted him to know, this goes both ways, i respect you too. In denver, many of the young people taking a moment to help clean up their city. They want people there to know that the destruction, what you see after nightfall, thats not what they stand for. And in flint, michigan, Genesee County sheriff chris swanson, who told members of the community there, i am here for you, we hear you, we are here to protect you. In bellevue, washington, police chief steve mylett and a demonstrator embracing. The police chief later explaining the power of that moment. I heard them. I felt them. I think they heard me. I think they heard my voice and my heart. And the heart of everybody that stands behind me. Its dialogue like this that we learn from each other. Reporter in miami, a line of Law Enforcement. And then the moment it all changes. A Highway Patrol captain, roger reyes, walking up to this woman, hugging her. She was grateful. I love you, man. I love you, man. Reporter in new york citys times square, an officer who was kneeling, raising his arms to the protesters. A demonstrator then hugging him. You could hear the cheers erupt in the crowd. The country in pain, but in so many communities they are walking together one step at a time. Our thanks to david there. These images are extremely important, mona. We heard an impassioned speech also from the new york chief of the department excuse me, chief of the department of new York City Police who basically said the same message, that we are with you, we are part of this community, we not only police this community but we need to develop a relationship with this community. A relationship, and again, so many people are calling for action and reform. The conversation is definitely there. Now its the next step. Teyi cfews across the country. Overnight the latest from coast to coast. In new york leaders were hoping an early curfew time and increased Police Presence would prevent the looting seen the night before. In washington, anger remains high among protesters after President Trumps remarks monday night. Even some republicans are condemning his actions as his Presumptive Democratic challenger weighs in. Plus the emotional discussion about race. A Flight Attendant was moved to tears as she talked with a passenger, and how surprised she was to learn who that man was. Its wednesday, june 3rd. We say good morning to you. I can honestly say, i dont think ive ever seen anything like ive seen when it comes to the curfews, obviously the people out in the streets. Here in new york city, we made it into our abc news headquarters, but thats saying something, guys. It was tough. Even if youve got your media badge, there is a crackdown in this city. The streets are closed, the police are out, and they are really going after those who are looting or any type of violence on these streets. That is where we begin, with the voices of frustration reverberating across the country. Protesters continue to gather in massive numbers, insisting on justice for george floyd, who cried out for help in vain with the knee of a Minneapolis Police officer grinding into his neck. Large groups made their way around the cities like new york and los angeles without incident. Many of them continued to march as night fell and curfews took effect. There were some pockets of looters, and in l. A. Demonstrators were arrested outside the mayors house. Take a look at this stunning scene in front of the home of the academy awards. The National Guard has turned the outside of the famous dolby theatre into a staging area for its trucks. A sea of people converged right at our doorsteps here at the abc news headquarters in manhattan. Like most of the crowds throughout the day, it was larg. Abcs Stephanie Ramos was right there. Reporter from San Francisco to orlando to new york city, thousands marching in protest with a message of peace. We are not looking to agitate or to loot or destroy anything. Were trying to make the community unified. And by doing that, its not unifying the community, its breaking it. Reporter the city moving up its curfew to 8 00 after a fourth night of looting. Peaceful demonstration by day replaced with a vicious cycle of violence overnight. Windows smashed, stores ransacked from the macys Flagship Store to rockefeller center. The governor blasting the mayor and police department. And the police in new york city were not effective at doing their job last night. Period. Reporter hundreds of arrests, most after curfew. Police investigating this video showing a car slamming into an officer in a hitandrun in the bronx. That officer in serious condition. Appears to be quite purposeful, thats unacceptable. Reporter across the country, Police Tactics under scrutiny. L. A. s police chief sparking outrage after suggesting looters were as responsible for George Floyds death as those fired Police Officers. We have people mourning the death of this man, george floyd. We had people capitalizing. His death is on their hands as much as it is those officers. Reporter the chief later apologizing, calling his own apologizing, calling his own words terribly offensive. L. A. Officers kneeling with protesters at a faithbased march. In new york, the police chief also taking a knee. Let new york show the country how this is done reporter in detroit, 16yearold organizer Stephen Perez has been urging fellow demonstrators to abide by the citys curfew. They arent safe. They dont got rubber bullets, they dont got tear gas, theyre not dead. Reporter the mayor calling to thank him. When i saw your leadership, i had tears in my eyes. You are everything that is special about this city. We are going to fight injustice because of you. Reporter the curfew in new york is in place. Demonstrators still in the street with no intention of going home. Stephanie ramos, abc news, new york. It was a much calmer night in the Nations Capital 24 hours after authorities forcefully moved in to clear Peaceful Protesters so President Trump could walk to nearby st. Johns church for a photo op. The crowds thinned out as the 7 00 p. M. Curfew approached. Rachel scott is there. Reporter this is a stark contrast from what this street looked like just a few days ago. We saw buildings light up in flames. We are still seeing many of the windows boarded up here. And of course we had those tense exchanges between Police Officers and protesters as President Trump visited st. Johns church. Now as for how long these protesters planned to stay out here, as for how long they plan to march day after day, they say they are not going anywhere until they get the justice they are looking for. They want to see those three other officers involved in the killing of george floyd arrested. And they also want to see a message of unity from the president. Kenneth, mona . Rachel, thank you. Overnight we are learning the District Of ColumbiaNational Guard is opening an investigation into the use of lowflying helicopters against protesters monday. Its part of the fallout of the church as leaders from both parties express outrage. Jonathan karl has more. Reporter as President Trump rode through washington, citizens, including families with homemade signs, jeered the president ial limousine. We were in the motorcade watching the people. Their signs withering. Are you a moral monster . I cant breathe. Outrage is growing over the forceful removal of Peaceful Protesters to clear the way for the president to hold a photo op at st. Johns church. In front of the church, the president held up a bible. Is that your bible . Its a bible. Reporter the condemnation stretched across the political spectrum, including prominent republicans. If your question is, should you use tear gas to clear a path so the president can go have a photo op, the answer is no. Reporter republican senator ben sass said, quote, im against clearing out a peaceful protest for a photo op that treats the word of god as a political prop. Pat robertson, televangelist and Ardent Supporter of trump, had harsh words for the president. It seems like now is the time to say, i understand your pain, i want to comfort you, i think its time we love each other. But the president took a different course. Reporter robertson lambasted the president for threatening to move military troops into American Cities unless the nations governors control the violence. Matter of fact, he spoke of them as being jerks. You just dont do that, mr. President , it isnt cool. Reporter former president george w. Bush came out with a powerful statement condemning what he called the brutal suffocation of george floyd, saying that many doubt the justice of our country, and with good reason. President bushs statement did not mention the current president by name, but he did express support for the protesters and said, quote, those who set out to silence those voices do not understand the meaning of america or how it becomes a better place. Jonathan karl, abc news, the white house. Jonathan, thank