For the record, Joe, Frankie and Derrick in the Gospel Messengers keep pressing me to play banjo with the group. They don't seem to think that I am trying to bring up images of happy black slaves on the plantation, or that I have a Master Complex. In the black churches I worship and perform in with such regularity, and in friendships within the black community, I rarely (I'm being honest and giving the benefit of the doubt, because I can not remember a single incident) hear anyone mention the black/white thing. And, I don't believe that they discuss it when I'm not around, and just clam up when they see me coming.
I'd like to think that most of us white folks already realize that we shouldn't use the "N" word, sing with burnt cork on our faces, or wear raggedy clothes to look like a slave, while singing slave songs. I have always found the folk community to be very warm and open, accepting people of all races, shapes & sizes. It gets a little dicier if your believe in God or are a Republican, but even there, I find folkies to be gracious and accepting. If anything, as a generality, I find the folk community more likely to bend over backward to be sensitive to people who are different than they are.
And while there are lessons to learn by looking backward, you have to look forward too, or you'll trip over the coffee table.