A black man was killed in what prosecutors called a racially motivated attack in 2015 . When we 're confronted with such a shocking act of violence , we search for answers . J. Richard Cohen : Such incidents are n't just a Southern problem , but they are national in nature . He believes America 's social fabric is fragile , and fault lines are defined by race and ethnicity . Cohen : It 's vital to invest in young generation and provide hope to counter waves of hatred .
A black man was killed in what prosecutors called a racially motivated attack in 2015 . J. Richard Cohen : Such incidents are n't just a Southern problem , but they are national in nature . He believes America 's social fabric is fragile , and fault lines are defined by race and ethnicity . Cohen : It 's vital to invest in young generation and provide hope to counter waves of hatred .