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"Now that I’m older, I simply avoid places where young black men congregate to the exclusion of others for social events. I try not to let their racism against me affect my judgement among the many kind black people I work with."

I experienced a lot of this trouble when I was growing up in a place where racial unrest spilled over from the Detroit riots, and when I taught in an inner city school. I too have learned to avoid gatherings of what I'd term 'high-risk' individuals. It isn't just men, although they feature disproportionately in the crime statistics. The aggrieved school girls would also attack in packs when I was in middle and high school. I found that I could have individuals whom I considered friends, but they'd go with the pack if things got riled up. As a retired adult of small stature I avoid places where I could get hurt. I've done what I can in teaching and mentoring young people, and I'll continue to do that, but I'm not venturing into rough areas just to prove to someone that I'm not a racist. I live my Christian values to the best of my ability and to keep my heart open to God's guidance.