Search for articles in local paper, look for words like Library and Fire Station and look at articles and opinion pieces. That will fill in some controversy info. Speaking as a white person it’s safe walking downtown. Can’t speak on behalf of BIPOC people. No place is perfect but I never avoid it out of concern but stuff happens. Likely better to walk around main streets of town and you’ll get to know which streets. Check out the local paper, subscribe if you can for a bit and read My Turn and local pieces to get a sense.