WHOSE BOY IS THIS?

This story is about the life of black folks that come from the other side of the tracks and their struggles. They begin to prepare for a festival within their small southern community. During a time when colored weren't slaves, they were still oppressed by the white folk of their time.
At first sight, it was not clear what was going on. It took some time before anyone could get close enough to him to even try to help. You could tell someone had given him clear instructions on what to do, but because he was so young, things were not making any sense. When he was close enough, they were able to make him slow down to get some whit about himself. It was not easy, but finally, after he ran around the streets sending everybody on a wild chase, we were able to settle his spirit. It didn't take long before he took off again. He was scared, sure enough, but all we wanted to do was help him. It still was not clear what that thing was tied around his neck. Our main concern was this little boy who was running the streets alone.
Now let's go back to what led to this situation. You know there is always a story that leads up to the climax.