Ten years ago, Rev. Rich Hendricks had an idea to bring the community together – over food – resulting in what may have been the Quad Cities’ biggest diversity potluck dinner ever called “Hands Across the Table for Racial Healing.” A few months ago, Margie Meija-Carabello and Judy Morrell from Progressive Action for the Common Good, approached Hendricks about doing a second “Hands Across the Table.” The event is planned for Saturday, May 21, 2016 and is sponsored by Quad Cities Interfaith as well as Progressive Action for the Common Good. “We need to get to know one another so that there is no room for hate to grow or for differences to separate us,” says Hendricks. “When people sit down over a shared meal we begin to see our common humanness instead of race or religion, and we begin to build relationships.”
The event will take place at First Christian Church, 1826 16th St., Moline, Illinois from 6 to 8 pm and all are welcome. Everyone should bring a favorite dish to share and ethnic dishes are encouraged. Paper plates, utensils, coffee and tea will be provided on site free of charge. “The variety of people and food at our first event was just outstanding!,” remembers Judy Morrell.
“Just don’t expect to sit next to people you know,” says Margie Meija-Carabello, “as that would defeat the purpose of the gathering.” Ushers will be greeting people at the door and helping to get a diverse mix of people at each table. There will be suggestions at the tables to get conversations going, but there is no formal “program” or speakers at the event. “We are all one human family, and it’s more important today than ever to break down the barriers of race, class, religion, age and gender that often keep us from just being friends and loving one another the way we were meant to do,” says Hendricks.
Event goers are encouraged to sign up on Facebook so that organizers have an idea of the supplies needed. For more information contact Margie Meija-Carabello at 309.235.3011.
