As the evening went on, our dinner guests slowly let their guards down. People started asking each other honest questions. Sharing vulnerable stories. Offering each other grace when the stranger across the table used a politically incorrect phrase. 

 

Invitations to share openly kept repeating, with intrinsic awareness that change wouldn't come from tip toeing or sugar coating. As each person began to contribute to the safety and bravery of that space, something happened... our perspectives grew. Our understanding of the other shifted. Our own stories felt heard. They felt cared for. Healing was happening in those moments of true connection. By the end of the night, everyone was exchanging contact information, building bridges into the others’ world.

 

The idea for this dinner came from observing countless people argue about recent police shootings on social media. Aching to be heard, but unwilling to listen. The dinner was created to be an outlet. An invitation for all of us to take a first step towards reconciliation.

 

We finished that first night feeling hopeful. Two nights later, the election results were in. We knew the division was just beginning to grow in ways our generation had never seen. Creating the space to share a meal and build bridges became more than an interesting experience we could offer people, it became important. Necessary. Something we knew we had to make available to as many people who want to join us.

 

We hope that includes you too. Whoever you are. Wherever you're from. Whatever you look like. Your story matters. Your voice matters. We need each other. And we hope you will join us for dinner.