How a Dinner Table Conversation Can Transform a Community

In this episode, your host, Dr. Carolyn Coker Ross, sits down with Dr. Dietra Hawkins to discuss the transformative power of equity dinners. Dr. Hawkins, a renowned clinical psychologist and CEO of Both And Partners, shares her passion for these unique gatherings that use storytelling and food to spark meaningful dialogue and build community.

Dr. Hawkins explains that the purpose of the dinners is to foster dialogue, not debate. By encouraging individuals to share their stories without fear of judgment, the dinners help break down barriers and build empathy. We discuss how these shared meals can lead to powerful outcomes, from personal growth and healing to real-world policy changes within communities. Dr. Hawkins shares inspiring examples of how these dinners have moved people beyond anger and into a place of genuine connection and understanding.

• Equity dinners use art and trained facilitators to guide conversations about race, trauma, and social justice.
• The focus is on dialogue, allowing people to share their lived experiences without being challenged or debated.
• These gatherings can lead to profound personal and systemic changes, moving people from passive observation to active engagement.