In the series of which this piece is a part, the Times used narrative and insightful reporting to uncover the often hidden ways that race is “lived” in America.

Egan writes about two Washington State politicians—Gary Locke, a Chinese-American, and Ron Sims, an African-American—and their handling of race in their political careers. Egan demonstrates that a politician’s decision to tell his history can be an asset or a liability, depending on his race. Egan’s narrative about Sims’ visit to all-white Bainbridge Island brings Ron Sims to life. We readers feel for him and his difficult position—and through narrative, we better understand the “living” of race.

Read “When to Campaign With Color,” by Timothy Egan

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