An estimated 1,000 attendees showed up for Tallahassee's Longest Table event the evening of Sunday, Oct. 12. The table extended along Duval Street between West Jefferson and West St. Augustine and various event partners provided a selection of complimentary food and beverage. Ashley Leland was one of the participants.
"It's amazing! And seeing how everyone is just able to talk and it's just such a friendly and welcoming vibe. This is what we need!" she exclaimed as it was coming to an end.
The purpose of the event was to encourage more civil and honest conversations among people of various backgrounds and beliefs. It was founded by former Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum in 2015 and was put on hold after 2019 due to the pandemic. Given the present political divisiveness, the large turnout was particularly encouraging, said Rev. Candace McKibbon, who came to the event with some members of her church.
"The norm has become accepted to be at odds and to be angry and at each other. But we can work on making a new intention of making our goodness, our kindness, our compassion and our love for each other be the most important thing that's heard."
City officials said the revived Longest Table tradition will continue.
