Issues of racial profiling and police conduct in US communities of color are making national headlines. According to peer research, 70% of African-Americans say there is an excessive use of force by the police in their communities, while only 30% believe police treat black and white people equally. Oscar winner John legend highlighted the systemic racism behind police brutality. At this year’s Academy Awards Ceremony he charged that the United States imprisons more people than any other country in the world and holds more African-American people in prison today than in 1850 under slavery. The United States Justice Department has conducted an investigation that could result in a lawsuit against the Ferguson Police Department, but many human rights activists have expressed doubts that authorities will go against the impunity enjoyed by law enforcement officials. Alexandra Hall reports for teleSUR