What's the meaning of the quote and please incorporate a relevant piece of evidence from the text--proper MLA citation

“They slowed down as they came to us, out of breath, some of them putting hands on their knee. They began laughing and a few of us started to soften our stance. But I stood off to the side, confused and convinced that whatever respect was accorded to the other brothers could never extend to me. One of them approached me--What’s up, n*****?--and extended his arm. I tightened in a mix of fear and frustration. I thought of how this would end, just as it began. But then he smiled. I looked down and saw his open hand, universal and at peace. I reached out and gave him a pound” (Coates 126).