including alicia keys, pharell williams williams, bruce springsteen, john legend. an all-star cast shining a light america. while it's challenging in the wake of the tragedies that have brushed our nation recently, we're reminded music can break down barriers. >> reporter: some of the biggest artists hope their talent can, for these a night, smooth over the color lines so we the people can have a conversation about race. i'm powerful i'm beautiful >> reporter: it's part of a three-hour special, shining a light, airing friday night at 8:00 p.m. eastern on a&e. one stop on a three-city tour. i took alicia keys to my hometown, baltimore. with the death of an unarmed black man while in police custody, freddie gray sparked unrest and anger. >> do you think the police of your friend or enemy if. >> enemy. >> enemy. >> reporter: one woman recognized her 16-year-old son masked and wielding a rock. >> my son wasn't going to be another freddie gray. >> what are you afraid of? the police? >> the police. i can send michael to the store and he can get shot. you don't know if he