Race issues everywhere

On July 14, the NAACP accused my colleagues and me of “racially biased news coverage,” and of publishing racist illustrations of the mayor.

That evening, I rode home on light rail—along 12th Street, past the arena construction site. I take this ride often, and I'm frequently the only white person on the train—as was true that evening.

On Thursday, I flew to a conference in Salt Lake City, where the big discussion was about how journalism is too white—and getting whiter.

A day later, a colleague from Florida explained to me that, because of oppressive “new Jim Crow” laws, more than 30 percent of blacks in that state are denied the right to vote, mostly due to nonviolent crimes or drug offenses. This will have a major impact on next year's election. And these laws are, of course, not unique to the Sunshine State.

On Saturday night, I rode the light-rail train in Salt Lake. It brimmed with passengers, nearly 100 percent of them white.

Sunday afternoon, I was back in Sacramento at a barbecue. My cousin, an actual living, breathing supporter of Donald Trump for president, tried to persuade me that the government needs to build a wall along the Mexican border. At all costs. Later, an uncle confessed to me that he can't wait for “that man” to get out of the White House.

And finally, this past Monday night, I spent two hours at the local NAACP headquarters, listening to people's stories, and how they were offended by our illustration of K.J. I'll admit that I was cynical heading into the meeting. But when it was over, I was inspired (read about this on page 11).

Why am I sharing all of this? Not sure. I'm definitely not here to “white-splain” racism, or to pretend that I have answers.

After Monday night, I do know that talking helps. So let's keep the dialogue going.