At a party in Washington, I once listened as a clueless couple, high-powered liberals both, descanted on their desire to know "more blacks and gays." An African-American child happened to be sitting on the porch with us. It was a golden opportunity for the couple to realize half their goal, but they ignored her. Why not simply speak to the girl and get the ball rolling? I wondered. But now I realize that the pair was an ideal candidate to participate in one of the Ford Foundation's "Difficult Dialogues." The program, which was announced earlier this month, actually pays colleges...