http://www.wsbtv.com/news/15735848/detail.html

So, is this a case of a racist judge, or is it a man trying to reach out to members of his race in order to affect a positive change?

I think it's a good thing. The judge has seen young blacks marched before his bench and he's trying to do something positive.

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For a people who are free, and who mean to remain so, a well-organized and armed militia is their best security.
Thomas Jefferson

It sounds like he was trying to do a good thing. I'm of the opinion that a lot of african-americans who commit crimes view themselves as the victim and hold a resentment to those who are white. This was a way for the judge to do a one-on-one, and appear more personal to the defendants. From watching the video that seems to have been his intention.