Reconciliation Dinner Shreveport

What is Reconciliation Shreveport?

In 1865, a freed slave and chef, Nat Fuller, invited  black and white citizens in Charleston, South Carolina to sit at a common table and share a reconciliation dinner. Shreveporters inspired by this event held the first Shreveport Reconciliation Dinner in August of 2016.

Our need for reconciliation continues and the second Shreveport Reconciliation Dinner was held on February 24, 2018 at Centenary College. The dinner:

• Provided a space where generations shared stories of racial reconciliation, acknowledging them as part of Shreveport’s collective narrative.
• Encouraged community members who are working against systemic racism through their community involvement, profession, or creative expression.
• Excavated our history, acknowledging the toxic legacies of prejudice and racism in our community as well as honoring efforts to achieve reconciliation.
• Provided connections to continue the dialogue of racial reconciliation and community education beyond the scope of the dinner.

Attendees were selected from nominations by the community based on demonstrated achievements or potential to promote racial reconciliation.

In the video below, some of the 2016 Reconciliation Dinner participants share their visions for a truly reconciled Shreveport: