How better to learn about racism than by speaking with somebody personally affected, exploring their real life experiences in a relaxed, friendly setting? That’s the idea behind Race on the Table, an even which took place on Saturday via Zoom, hosted by Ella McLean, a mixed race Stroud resident, and Ronnie McGrath,writer, poet and black visual artist.

Hannah McDonnell, the event organiser, says ROTT is "designed to stimulate greater understanding and perspectives on race and identity through open and safe conversations, taking people on an honest journey to building bridges. "Acknowledging your privilege - the fact that you have most likely (not by choice) been unfairly favoured in your life because of your skin colour is not a comfortable process. We’ve been part of this system all our lives without actively choose to be, and understanding this fact really helps us to forgive ourselves and grow, not from a place of defensiveness or shame, but rather a journey of recognition, epiphany, enlightenment.

Ella McLean told us: “We want Race on the Table to break down the barriers that prevent people from having honest discussions about race, creating a space for people who haven’t had the chance to talk openly before or for those craving more insight to talk in a judgement free environment.

”It is loosely based on an American model called Race to Dinner, a service aimed at helping white people to recognise their privilege and racist beliefs, in a way that leads them out to a healthier way of thinking and operating, led by co-founders Regina Jackson and Saira Rao. SAR are delighted to be working with the ROTT team to support and promote this initiative as we aim to prompt, and provide safe space for, people to take a hard look in the mirror, ask themselves uncomfortable questions, and sit with us through the discomfiture of acknowledgement.

We feel Race on the Table is a fantastic idea, giving opportunity to meet people whose beliefs and understanding are formed by a completely different set of experiences, who are willing to share them honestly, gently, and without judgement.

Dinner parties are currently hosted on Zoom to ensure safety during the Covid-19 outbreak. The pilot event took place on Saturday, July 18 2020.

If you are interested in further details or to register to take part in further sessions, please contact Hannah McDonnell on RaceOnTheTable@gmail.com.

How Zoom Dinner Parties Can Help Us Understand Racism