Complex sentence: Notwithstanding the above, Gravedigger and Coffin Ed have deep and genuine sympathy for the innocent victims of crime; and frequently have to intervene to protect their black brothers from the random and truly pointless brutality of the white cops (as portrayed by Himes).
Split into simpler sentences: Notwithstanding the above, Gravedigger and Coffin Ed have deep and genuine sympathy for the innocent victims of crime. They frequently intervene to protect their black brothers and sisters from the random and truly pointless brutality of the white cops (as portrayed by Himes).