What would happen if you asked Americans to share their experience of race — but in only six words.  

Fourteen years ago, that’s how journalist Michele Norris started what’s called The Race Card Project.  

More than a half a million people responded with their personal, honest and sometimes shocking six-word answers: “You’re pretty for a Black girl.” “White privilege, enjoy it, earned it.” “Lady, I don’t want your purse.” “My ancestors massacred Indians near here.” “Urban living has made me racist.” “I’m only Asian when it’s convenient.”

Now, Norris has compiled many of the responses, along photographs, back stories and essays, into her new book, “Our Hidden Conversations: What Americans Really Think About Race and Identity.”  

Listen to MPR News host Angela Davis talking with Norris about her Minnesota roots, journalism career and helping Americans talk about race.  

Norris also will speak and sign her book Thursday evening at an event open to the public at the Westminster Town Hall Forum in Minneapolis.  

Guests:  

• Michele Norris is a columnist for the Washington Post and host of the podcast “Your Mama’s Kitchen.” From 2002 to 2012, she was cohost of NPR’s All Things Considered. She also spent almost ten years as a reporter for ABC News covering politics, policy and the dynamics of social change. Over her long career she’s earned multiple awards, including the Peabody, Emmy, Dupont and Goldsmith awards. She’s the author of two books, “The Grace of Silence” and “Our Hidden Conversations.”  

Subscribe to the MPR News with Angela Davis podcast on: Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or RSS.  

Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.