'The Bachelorette' New Season in Black & White

"The Bachelorette" will offer Rachel Lindsay clear choices ... if race is a factor.

The photo was snapped behind the scenes on the first night of taping, showing about 14 contestants, and there is a mix ... but looks like she's trending black.

It's pretty clear from the finale of "The Bachelor" ... producers are going to make race a central story line ... looks like mission accomplished.