The Longest Table event hosted by the City of Statesboro’s One Boro Commission is a powerful community event that brings people together to share a meal and engage in facilitated conversations about important issues surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion. The event, which took place on April 29, 2023, was the second annual event of its kind and was held outside of the Georgia Southern University City Campus in downtown Statesboro.
One of the main goals of The Longest Table is to create a safe space for individuals to share their experiences and perspectives, and to facilitate dialogue around important issues. Facilitators are present at each table to pose questions and guide the conversation, encouraging attendees to reflect on their own biases and beliefs and to listen to and learn from others.
The event also provides an opportunity for attendees to build new and unique connections with people they might not have met otherwise, creating a sense of belonging and community that is especially important in a world where people can feel isolated and disconnected. Through events like The Longest Table, individuals can come together to address common issues and concerns within their community and work towards a more inclusive and connected society.
While the community meal was provided through donations from local restaurants and free to the public, One Boro encouraged donations of non-perishable food items for the Statesboro Food Bank, further supporting their mission of community members coming together as one to support other community members.
In addition to the guided conversations, The Longest Table event also included a multimedia diversity showcase presentation that highlighted organizations within the community that promote and represent diversity. This year's presentation included content for Habitat for Humanity of Bulloch County, Migrant Equity SouthEast, Bulloch County NAACP, Pittman Park United Methodist Church, and Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Statesboro. The showcase provides attendees with an opportunity to learn more about these organizations and the important work they do to foster welcoming and belonging within the community.
Through events like The Longest Table, individuals can engage in discussions that may challenge their preconceived notions and broaden their perspectives. Community events such as this one also inspire introspection and self-reflection, encouraging attendees to examine their own biases and beliefs.
This kind of introspection can lead to personal growth and help individuals become more empathetic and understanding toward others. These events can also provide a safe space for individuals to share their experiences and perspectives, and facilitate dialogue around important issues such as diversity, equity, and inclusion. By coming together and building new connections, attendees can develop a sense of community and shared purpose, leading to a more cohesive and supportive society.
This event is not the only focus of One Boro, which has a great vision surrounding diversity, inclusion, and representation within the city of Statesboro. For example, Dr. Stacy Smallwood previously mentioned to Grice Connect One Boro’s work in creating a non-discrimination and equity ordinance, making Statesboro the 11th city in Georgia to have this ordinance. The One Boro page on the City of Statesboro website includes a portion of the federal 1964 Civil Rights Act, a discrimination complaint form, and a summary of the discrimination ordinance’s purpose:
“The Statesboro Ordinance (2020-07 Ch. 80) passed in October 2020 makes it unlawful to discriminate for any reason.”
Overall, The Longest Table event and the One Boro Commission's work in creating a non-discrimination and equity ordinance are part of a larger vision surrounding diversity, inclusion, and representation within the city of Statesboro. The commission's next initiative will involve workforce development and finding jobs for those who were previously incarcerated. By creating a more inclusive and connected community, One Boro is helping to build a stronger and more supportive society for all.
For more information on One Boro see: https://www.statesboroga.gov/oneboro.
