Sallis said they were feeling more optimistic about race relations than even a year ago, when Mr.Obama emerged as a serious presidential contender after a string of primary and caucus victories.

• Sallis说，他们对种族关系更加乐观，甚至只是一年以前，当奥巴马先生在经过一系列的初选，以及党内高层会议的胜利后成为一个真正的总统。