The recent police involved shootings in Louisiana and Minnesota has put race relations back in the headlines, amplifying the conversation here in Bakersfield and an outcry for change.

After Alton Sterling was killed by white police officers in Louisiana and Philando Castile was shot to death by an officer during a traffic stop in Minnesota, community leaders in the black community focused on ways to bridge the gap to solidarity.

Local radio personality Danny Morrison says progress will require more than just talk.

"We got to do more; I don't believe in just marching, I don’t believe in talking, I believe in acting," said Morrison.

And a local pastor says that means working closely with police.

"I think the African American community should come together with law enforcement and try to bridge the gap that is so divides us,” said Pastor Josephate Jordan of Christ First Ministries.