Michele L. Norris

Washington, D.C.

Columnist

Education: University of Wisconsin, Engineering; University of Minnesota, Journalism

Michele L. Norris is a columnist and consultant for Post Opinions and founding director of The Race Card Project. She worked as a reporter at the Post from 1988 to 1993, covering education, politics, the AIDS crisis and the impact of the region’s drug trade. She moved from the Post to ABC News, where she was part of a team that won an Emmy and a Peabody for her work on 9/11 and its aftermath. As a correspondent in the ABC Washington bureau, Norris covered presidential campaigns and government policy before returning to the education beat. In 2002, she joined National Public Radio, where she
Latest from Michele L. Norris

Michelle Obama’s speech was hope, served up hot

From the moment she walked onstage, I sensed we were going to see something electric. No demure dress, no bossy power suit or pearls.

August 21, 2024
Former first lady Michelle Obama takes the stage on day two of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago on Tuesday. (Brendan Mcdermid/Reuters)

Lots of medals. Lots of skin colors. See the connection?

Diversity shows its value in the makeup of the U.S. Olympic team

August 10, 2024
Jordan Chiles, Hezly Rivera, Jade Carey, Sunisa Lee and Simone Biles celebrate after winning a gold medal at the Olympic Games on July 30. (Naomi Baker/Getty Images)

6 reasons Tim Walz was the right choice

The Minnesota governor is authentic and experienced — and can make a difference in this race.

August 7, 2024
Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee, with running mate Tim Walz, the governor of Minnesota, at a campaign rally in Philadelphia on Tuesday. (Demetrius Freeman/The Washington Post)

Careful, Democrats. Cast Harris aside at your peril.

Joe Biden chose Kamala Harris in case there was an emergency. That is exactly what they have on their hands.

July 21, 2024
Vice President Harris in Philadelphia on May 29. (Demetrius Freeman/The Washington Post)

No more talk of miracles, please. It’s time to talk about guns.

The real miracle would be sensible gun legislation

July 16, 2024
Former president Donald Trump pumps his fist during the first day of the 2024 Republican National Convention in Milwaukee on Monday.

Can a fallen bridge raise a broken city? In Baltimore, it can.

Baltimore has long been synonymous with brokenness. This is a chance for repair.

May 22, 2024

Our true feelings about race and identity are revealed in six words

The Race Card Project provides a window into America’s beating heart.

January 11, 2024

What ‘Rustin’ can teach us about fixing broken friendships

The story of Bayard Rustin and MLK reminds us real friendships cannot be broken.

January 8, 2024
Bayard Rustin, leader of the March on Washington, in New York in 1963. (Eddie Adams/AP)

The U.S. military integrated 75 years ago. Apologies are still in order.

America owes its segregated soldiers and sailors an apology.

July 25, 2023
Service medals and awards received by Charles Felder, who served in the military from 1953 to 1974. He served in the Marines, the Army and the Air Force. (Michael S. Williamson/The Washington Post)

‘Succession’ dulled Americans to the poison seeping into their lives

"Succession" was like candy you cannot put down, a mirror on what ails America.

May 29, 2023
Tom Wambsgans (Matthew Macfadyen) and Shiv Roy (Sarah Snook) sort of hold hands in the series finale of HBO's “Succession.” (HBO)