A more connected and truthful society addressing the unresolved and persistent effects of the institution of U.S. slavery.
 The Coming to the Table initiative is an effort to involve direct descendants of slavery, black and white, in exploring their unique role in addressing the legacy of slavery, on a personal and societal level. It brings together African American and white descendants whose ancestors were linked by a "slave/slaveowner" relationship. The initiative seeks to look at the history of slavery and its legacy through the stories of those whose ancestors were directly involved in the institution of slavery.
Mission
In the spirit of ‘the beloved community,’ the Coming to the Table initiative provides leadership and support to the movement of linked descendants of the U.S. institution of slavery who seek to heal the traumatic impacts of slavery on individuals, families and our nation.
Leadership This project has two principle founders, Will Hairston and Susan Hutchison, who are both direct descendants of slave owners. They invited their distant cousins, Joe Henry Hairston and Diana Redman, who are direct descendants of those who were enslaved by their families, to be part of the core planning team. The core planning team also includes support people who bring expertise in the areas of racism, slavery, and healing processes as well as facilitation and training skills. They are Rachel Nobel, David Anderson Hooker, and Melody Pannell. Amy Potter is the project director and a member of the core planning team. She houses the project at the Practice Institute at the Center for Justice and Peacebuilding at Eastern Mennonite University.
Core Principles
Premise
We start with the assumption that all people are inherently good. It is through painful experiences and the influence of customs and structures that oppress, that we become separate, wounded and participants in the on-going cycle of oppression, victim-hood and violence. The construct of “race” keeps our society divided and dysfunctional. In order to break out of the construct of race, we need to understand its history, and we need both individual and collective healing and transformation. We value respect and confidentiality, and see them as necessary for the healing process.
Truth
Facing the truth of the past is necessary to create a better future. We support sharing personal and family stories as a way of learning from one another and uncovering a many-faceted and deeper truth. We recognize the need to prepare people to hear one another’s stories, including the grief, anger, fear, guilt and shame that often accompanies them. We also recognize that there are many stories to celebrate, stories of joy, connection and triumph in the face of great adversity.
Connection
We are using the historically negative connection of slavery to open the way for enhancing a connection of love and healing across “racial” lines. We seek to explore expanding the notion of family to include all those who lived in community with one another (even if the community was an oppressive and enforced one), sometimes sharing the same names, whether or not related by blood. We support positive connecting forces and welcome all who are motivated by enhancing connectedness. We oppose forces that seek to maintain lines between and stereotypes around people.
Transformation
We recognize that seeking truth and becoming more connected are on-going processes. We are a resource; we value and share a variety of tools, materials, processes and we attempt to create a shared and safe space for all who join us on this journey. We protect our core principles while remaining receptive to new ideas, growth and change. We value the creativity each person brings to their on-going healing process. We share our collective learnings with the intent of societal transformation. |
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