I wouldn't condemn all who say "Some of my best friends are black" simply because some liberal whites use this phrase to exploit any black relationships they might have for political advantage.
I can sincerely say that "Some of my best friends are black" and I'm not trolling for votes, nor do I give a crap if anybody, black or white thinks that makes me more or less of racist bigot because of it.
Fact is I say that MOST of my friends have been black during my adult life, I've roomed with and shared apts with probably a dozen black friends and more than once in nearly all black neighborhoods.
And out of my free choice. Not because I was stuck with them.
And guess what...I wasn't afraid to tell any of them that I can't stand Jesse Jackson or Sharpton and considered them racists idiots.
So let's not be so quick to condemn all those who say "Some of my best friends are black." as patronizing suck-ups.
I have also roomed with my good back friends. One guy is a former Marine sniper during our Vietnam adventure. He did his work in countries other than Vietnam. 'Nuff said.
When I was a "track star" in high school (1963) my natural inclination was to hang with blacks from other schools. Great guys, all of them! My first job out of high school was managing a band. We had a black singing group and there were never any racial issues between us -- we were all simply amazed by their talent. When I went to college in San Francisco, I used to go to 'all black' night clubs in 'The City' and enjoy the music and the great company.
I could go on and on for hours about my wonderful experiences with good friends of all races, religions and beliefs.