Sandy Banks' dialogue on race relations sparks reflection

It all started with a column Sandy Banks wrote last week about race, an answer to Carolyn, a reader who thinks Sandy views whites as "insensitive racists" and that blacks should always be angry about something. Sandy writes:

I don't feel that way; I couldn't have said that. And because Carolyn didn't remember "the particulars" of the column, I couldn't defend myself. So I didn't answer.

She was mad at me, which made me mad at her. Which was probably why she ignored my public invitation last week to write back. Or maybe she's no longer reading what I write.

I did, however, hear from almost 100 other readers, sharing their stories of racial slights, strained friendships and awkward moves toward -- or away from -- reconciliation.

It's a provocative conversation and Sandy doesn't shy away. She looks at racism, examines her own words, and offers a few answers. Her full column here.

-- Veronique de Turenne

Image: Tribune Media Services