Somewhat of an answer to my prayers ...

OK, it is a workable answer if you live in the United States: "Homicide: Life on the Streets" (1993-1999).

(Check your local library. You'll be the first to check out the DVDs, which is always a plus.)

I'm not saying "Homicide" is the best writing ever on TV but it is passable and MY GOD the star -- at least the leader of the ensemble cast -- is a dark-skinned black man: Detective Frank Pembleton, played by Andre Braugher, an actor to write home about.

Detective Pembleton has a capable white partner, Detective Tim Bayliss (played by Kyle Secor, who I do like).

The man in charge -- a really, really dark-skinned black man -- is Lt. Al Giardello, played by the FABULOUS Yaphet Kotto.

In this show there are minorities all over the place!

(This all takes place in Baltimore. Shot on location, which is always preferable to anything shot in Los Angeles. And the only reason to watch "Law & Order" at this point. When you are desperate.)

Yes, a friend has recommended "The Wire." I'm on the lengthy wait-list for it at my library. Which means by the time I get the DVDs I can't promise you they will play.

OK. "Homicide." There are a few more white folks worth mentioning, but that's not what this post is about. So I'll end by saying I also LOVE Detective Meldrick Lewis (Clark Johnson).

One final note: Every episode is steeped in race issues. I LOVE IT. Remember when Geraldine Ferraro got busted for stating the obvious about Barack Obama? At work I was like, geez, it is 2008 and we can't even discuss race openly yet? Like if you're white you can't say anything about race without having to make a public apology?

I mentioned this outlook on race in American during the Ferraro deal to my really cool friend who I totally love at work (whose sister happens to work for Mr. Obama). We got into it! She said: I CAN'T EVEN BELIEVE WE ARE HAVING THIS CONVERSATION!

And we had to stop talking. Couldn't go there. That never happens between us!

I think we should talk about race. A white person should be able to say: Wow, sure can't hurt that he is a black man.