"When you are constantly brutalized and have no redress, then you must mobilize and protect yourself," Sharpton said.

The discussion was fast-paced and covered a broad range of topics, including cultural misunderstandings, lack of respect and stereotypes. Ogletree pushed panelists to address provocative questions on topics such as the role of blacks in law enforcement and whether the speakers would discourage black people from joining the police force.

Ronald Hampton, a longtime police officer in Washington, D.C., said that blacks should join the police force, despite the discrimination he experienced as an officer.

"We need to be there. We need to be the guardians of our community," Hampton said. "If we're not going to be there, then I can imagine the worst, brother."

While most panel participants focused on police-based discrimination, Professor David Cole of Georgetown University said the discrimination extended to the courtroom.

Cole said that state-appointed defense attorneys are often inadequate, and that prosecutors have too much discretion in deciding whom to punish--and to what extent. He said the courts have taken a "see no evil, hear no evil" approach to racism within the criminal justice system.

At the end of the discussion, panelists offered suggestions for how the system can be improved. Northeastern University Law Professor Deborah Ramirez said that the police must learn "to build community" and make that one of their major responsibilities.