VA – Richmond
Coming To The Table in Richmond, Virginia (RVA) specializes in creating a safe and welcoming space for people to engage in facilitated conversation on race around the dinner table – sharing stories over a good meal like family.
CTTT-RVA facilitates the “courageous, clumsy and often uncomfortable” conversations on race by creating a safe space for constructive dialogue, implementing circle process, restorative language and peace-building principles. Inspired by the vision of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., in his “I Have a Dream” speech, CTTT-RVA explores the challenges of reaching across racial, political and societal lines literally at the dinner table – breaking down barriers and building bridges. Coming To The Table – RVA is our area’s local chapter of a national organization founded in 2006 on the campus of Eastern Mennonite University.
Coming To The Table – RVA helps people learn how to engage in these courageous and clumsy and sometimes uncomfortable conversations around the table at home, at school and in the workplace. Our table has four legs – (1) Uncovering history, (2) Making connections, (3) Working toward healing and (4) Taking action to dismantle systems of oppression. Each leg provides stability for our mission of racial healing. CTTT-RVA is dedicated to promoting racial equity and social justice, and to teaching others how to do this as well.
CTTT-RVA was founded by Martha Rollins and Danita Rountree Green in 2014, beginning with small “listening luncheons”, and is now in 2019 the largest and most active and dynamic (so we’re told!) chapter in the nation, with as many as 80 people meeting monthly for dinner and small group events and with nearly 700 people on our mailing list. We have two monthly dinner gatherings (and another in development) as well as a movie circle, a book circle, a “just for fun” circle and various working groups (reparations, food, hospitality, others) and special events, all focused on cultivating authentic relationships, learning, growing and healing together, and ultimately dismantling racism in the Richmond, VA metro area and beyond. We invite you to join us in person at one or more of our many events and CLICK HERE to get on our mailing list to receive our monthly newsletter. WE WELCOME YOU….with all of your questions, uncertainties and misgivings and with your open mind and heart!
See our upcoming meetings at the bottom of this page. If you have questions, reach out to our organizers here:
Upcoming Group Events:
January 2020
Nat’l Day of Racial Healing: Richmond, VA
Join Coming to the Table RVA, in partnership with the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, for a discussion to commemorate the National Day of Racial Healing. Historian Dr. Ed Ayers, theologian Dr. Brian Blount, and special guest Dr. David Ragland, founder and co-director for the Truth Telling Project of Ferguson and the National Reparations Network, will participate in a panel discussion about racial healing moderated by Dr. Corey Walker. This event will focus on reparations – repairing what is…
Find out more »Nat’l Day of Racial Healing, Part 2: Richmond, VA
Join Coming to the Table RVA on Wednesday, January 22nd at Union Presbyterian Seminary for discussions and sessions to commemorate Day 2 of the National Day of Racial Healing as we boldly move forward in our campaign to repair what is broken in our city. Dr David Ragland, founder of the Truth-Telling Project, Lotte Dula, creator of Reparations4Slavery.com, Dr. Corey Walker University of Richmond visiting professor and senior fellow for religious freedom at the Religious Freedom Center in Washington and…
Find out more »Local Group Book Circle: Richmond, VA
Join us Thursday, January 23! The Book Club of the Richmond Local Affiliate Group (CTTT-RVA) meets the 4th Thursday evening of each month for a shared, potluck meal and discussion. We'll discuss Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome: America's Legacy of Enduring Injury and Healing, by Joy DeGruy Questions? RSVP? Or to learn the location and/or be added to the local email list, Click Here and complete the contact form at the bottom of the page.
Find out more »Special Movie Circle Event: Richmond, VA
Please join us for our second showing of Just Mercy at Movieland at Boulevard Square on Monday Jan 27th. After the movie, please join your fellow moviegoers for food and conversations at Kitchen 64. Seating for the movie begins at 5:00 p.m. No movie preview trailers will be shown prior to the movie. . For more info, and to register for this event, Click Here. . Questions? Click Here and complete the contact form at the bottom of the page.
Find out more »February 2020
Local Group Gathering: Richmond, VA
Join us February 12, and on the Second Wednesday each month at RVA Light. Hosted by the good folks at Joyful Feast, who will prepare a big pot of vegan soup, or vegetarian with separate vegan options. The simple supper is usually served with bread. Containers of soup are offered for sale for $5 each after the dinner, as people are going home. For more information, or to RSVP, Click Here and complete the contact form at the bottom of…
Find out more »Local Group Gathering: Richmond, VA
Join us February 18, and the Third Tuesday every month at Ginter Park Presbyterian Church. Bring a nourishing dish to share, or $10.00, if possible. Featuring Valerie "Yemima" Davis, restorer and interpreter of lost narratives, as our guest presenter. For more information, or to RSVP, Click Here and complete the contact form at the bottom of the page.
Find out more »Local Group Book Circle: Richmond, VA
Join us Thursday, February 27! The Book Club of the Richmond Local Affiliate Group (CTTT-RVA) meets the 4th Thursday evening of each month for a shared, potluck meal and discussion. We'll discuss Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City, by Matthew Desmond. Questions? RSVP? Or to learn the location and/or be added to the local email list, Click Here and complete the contact form at the bottom of the page.
Find out more »