A North Little Rock police officer well known for community outreach flew to Los Angeles this week to be part of a panel on the Dr. Phil talk show that discussed race relations.
In an episode taped Wednesday, a panel of experts examined the topics of white privilege and microaggressions, officer Tommy Norman said.
Norman was included in the show because of his work in the central Arkansas community, he said, adding that he was there representing his Mission Give Foundation.
His community policing work was also featured on a Dr. Phil episode in 2016.
Other panelists Wednesday included Michael Eric Dyson, a Georgetown University sociology professor; Nancy Wang Yuen, a Biola University sociology professor; Laura Gomez, a UCLA law professor; Areva Martin, a civil-rights attorney and talk show host; Peggy McIntosh, a research associate at the Wellesley Centers for Women and Alonzo Bodden, a Los Angeles-based comedian.
The panel aimed to discuss how the country can “come together” and take a proactive stance to mend racial relations. The officer’s personal philosophy, he said, is that the way forward is by fostering relationships.
“Relationships have always been a factor in building trust and respect,” he said.
Norman said he was somewhat unfamiliar with the concept of white privilege before this experience, adding that the discussion veered into a debate at times.
“The conversation we had on the Dr. Phil show is one that people are uncomfortable having, but they’re also conversations that we as a country need to have more of,” he said.
Norman said the episode’s air date hasn't been determined, but it will be in the “next few weeks or months.” He’ll get about a week’s notice before it airs.