In the era of “Jim Crow” segregation in the United States’ southern states, Blacks were not allowed to eat in train dining cars and often were prohibited from dining in restaurants along their road trips. To compensate for this, many turned to packing their meals in shoeboxes or referring to the “Green Book” directory of establishments that were accommodating to ‘Negro motorists.”
Participants in the Inclusive Excellence grant’s learning community were reminded of this necessity during the last meal of their conference. The final luncheon consisted of traditional foods of that time: fried chicken, cornbread, non-mayonnaise-based salad, a cookie, and tea in a Mason jar. It helped to reinforce the theme of the conference and increased awareness of what it was like in the South. The meal was intentionally served on the last day, sending people home with food that would not spoil and did not need re-heating as was previously required, but also to leave them with a tangible reminder via their shoebox and Green Book reprint.
There are hundreds of things that the conference could have served for lunch and as many ways to present it. By linking the meal to the experience, they created a learning moment that will be remembered long after the food is digested. Take a lesson from them to become intentional about all your touch points when you have people gather.
Thanks, Rich!
