No Small Endeavor with Lee C. Camp

208: Unabridged Interview: Michele Norris

May 16, 2025
Michele Norris, former host of NPR’s All Things Considered and founder of The Race Card Project, dives into the power of storytelling about race and identity. She shares her innovative approach of asking individuals to describe their experiences in just six words, revealing the profound depth of responses. Norris reflects on the evolution of racial conversations in America, the significance of kitchens in shaping identity, and the importance of honest dialogue in confronting historical atrocities. Her insights promote understanding and healing through shared narratives.
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ANECDOTE

Family Silence on Racial Legacy

  • Michele Norris uncovered her father's near-fatal police shooting when he fought voter suppression post-WWII.
  • Her family’s silence was a gift to shield later generations from pain and to inspire patriotism despite hardship.
INSIGHT

Race Conversations Are Desired

  • Michele Norris learned many Americans want to discuss race if given space on their terms.
  • The Race Card Project reveals diverse perspectives beyond typical black-white narratives.
ANECDOTE

Mother's Six-Word Fear

  • Kristen Moorhead expressed fear for her son as a Black boy through six words, "I wish he was a girl."
  • Her story highlights the painful reality of stereotyping and the need for protective measures by Black families.
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