what are some good SHORT stories on racism that are from reputable authors?

Although he's remembered today primarily for his science fiction short stories, Ray Bradbury was actually way ahead of his time when it came to incorporating themes about racism and injustice into stories. It's been a few years since I've given any of these a read, but they'll be spot-on in terms of what you're looking for.

"I See You Never" - A Mexican Immigrant to the United States has overstayed his visa and is being deported. The immigration officers allow him to say goodbye to his landlady. The Mexican then goes on to talk about all of the things that he enjoyed about his life in the United States and all of the things that he'll miss when he's forced to return to Mexico. For a story written in the early 50s to take the point of view of the Mexican, thereby humanising him, was quite unique.

"The Big Black And White Game" - In this story, Bradbury discusses racism in a baseball game when an all-white team plays against an all-black team.

"The Other Foot" - about blacks on Mars, they left Earth because of racism.

There's one that I've been looking for in my collection about an American couple on holiday somewhere in Central or South America when the USA and the USSR destroy each other and the rest of the first world but leave the rest of the world unscathed.

Definitely go with a Bradbury story, there are many to choose from, they're relatively short and very straightforward.

Short Stories About Racism

"Big Boy Leaves Home" (from Uncle Tom's Children) by Richard Wright.

Also the memoir "Mississippi: The Summer of 1964" by me. Link in sources.

gfg