I came of age when Dr. King was highly regarded, and his words and their meaning were really taking hold in our society.
Next I served in the military, where I saw pretty good relations, although there were some problems.
The Rodney King Riot in Lost Angeles, where the city got torched for the second time 27 years after Watts.
I believe OJ Simpson was found not guilty, to avoid yet another riot.
I would say relations have gone downhill since about that time. I would also say Obama damaged prospects, instead of helping, which he should have done.
He should have openly criticized negative aspects of black culture, instead of remaining silent.