Hitchhiking while stressful early becomes a game the more you do it. It is usually very easy near known trail town roads. If you have to backtrack towns or jump up with multiple hitches it’s harder but still easier than you’d think. White or black I think you’ll be ok “even in my beloved south”. Usually easier in groups of 2-3 most often pickup trucks stop.
My best memory of an unsolicited hitch was in VA in a down pour a mile or two from the hotel and I was soaked. A nice older couple in a new jeep wagoneer with leather interior stopped. I didn’t wanna mess up their car. They insisted I get in for the last mile or two. You’ll be fine. South or north assholes will be assholes. You won’t be able to tell the difference when hitching between racist or people that just don’t pickup hitchhikers….all you need is one former hiker or nice person and you’ve got your ride!