Vic, I'm very interested in all you write. I've come to the conclusion that W African black people have no experience of the type of racism one gets/used to get in South Africa or here in Europe. My husband is just like your friend Lamin. He just doesn't see the problem. I stupidly explained about the 'n' word and ('honky' for white) and he thinks it's tremendously funny to bellow at our front door when he gets home,"'ello darleeng! Your N***** ees 'ome! 'ow ees my 'onky doing?" People over the other side of our road can surely hear it and I hide my face in shame. But black people born here are far more aware of the undercurrents of recent history and more sensitive to implied insults.
I'm coming round to the fact that some may indeed be upset by black-face Morris etc. I wouldn't want that for them, so I wonder what can be done about it? A disclaimer sign displayed before the dance? Maybe if they could get some actually-black dancers it would prove there's no prejudice (which I'm sure there isn't.)