The Center for Community Engagement hosted Things We Don’t Talk About at Dinner: Race Edition, a dialogue-based event aimed at equipping students with tools for meaningful conversations about race, on Tuesday, Jan. 21.

The interactive session brought together 35 students, faculty and staff to reflect on race and its impact on their lives. Through guided discussions, participants explored thought-provoking questions involving their earliest experiences with race, what a successful conversation about race looks like and how race has shaped their personal journeys.

Rev. Caitlin Swann, Stetson’s new Associate Director for Dialogue and Civic Action, shared the urgency of this work.

“Equipping Stetson students with the skills to navigate challenging topics like race, politics and religion is essential,” she said. “These abilities not only prepare them for success in their careers, but also empower them to become impactful civic leaders in their communities long after graduation.”

Despite diverse backgrounds, the group discovered common ground and shared a commitment to addressing racial and ethnic equality.

In the end, the event fostered an atmosphere of respect, vulnerability and courage, empowering attendees to tackle challenging topics with empathy and understanding. Participants walked out of the event with new perspectives and practical skills for engaging in conversations about race in their communities.

The Center for Community Engagement continues to provide opportunities for dialogue and civic action, encouraging the Stetson community to lead change toward a more equitable world.