How does Jame's experiences help him deal with racism?

It isn't until the latter stages of the novel that James, much like his mother, is able to see things in retrospect. James certainly struggled with issues of race, feeling caught between two worlds. At one point he even punches a Black Panther member. In the end James is able to connect some of the dots. He travels to Suffolk and traces his mother's history. James begins to see the humanity behind issues of race, hatred and ignorance.