The Longest Table returns to foster conversation and connection

More than 350 Johns Hopkins University faculty, staff, and students gathered on Keyser Quad on Monday evening for the second annual Longest Table event, a signature dining and dialogue experience hosted by the Office of Diversity and Inclusion.

Introduced last year, the Longest Table aims to bring the Hopkins community together for meaningful conversations among people with different backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. Speakers at Monday's gathering included Provost Ray Jayawardhana, Katrina Caldwell, vice provost for diversity and inclusion and chief diversity officer, and Erin Fox, senior manager for strategic initiatives for the Office of Diversity and Inclusion.

"The Longest Table offers students, staff, and faculty a chance to engage in dialogue outside their usual roles at the university," Fox said. "It aligns with the goals of the Ten for One and the Second Roadmap, strengthening our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion while fostering a culture of dialogue and engagement that reflects the best of a pluralistic society."

Attendees were seated at long tables under a white tent on Keyser Quad, where small groups, led by trained dialogue guides, participated in dynamic discussions. Using pre-written prompts, participants shared personal experiences at Hopkins and explored broader topics like the campus climate and their sense of belonging within the Hopkins community.

Image credit: Will Kirk / Johns Hopkins University

According to Caldwell, the event was designed to help those in different positions at the university build a sense of connection with one another.

"We want everyone to feel a sense of belonging," she said. "The Longest Table creates moments of dialogue that transcend differences and unite us as a community."

As one staff member wrote on a post-event survey: "I don't often get the chance to spend time with students, even though my program is dedicated to supporting their success. At the Longest Table, I had the best two hours engaging with students, colleagues, and faculty from across the university. It was a unique opportunity to connect, share perspectives, and learn from one another in a relaxed and meaningful way. I am so glad I signed up for this experience!"

In addition to the engaging discussions, the event featured a buffet meal that catered to a variety of dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, halal, kosher, and gluten-free options. Guests enjoyed dishes like roasted vegetables, chicken, salmon, beef, and tofu, along with warm beverages like vegan hot chocolate with homemade marshmallows, adding a cozy touch to the fall evening.

Looking ahead, the Office of Diversity and Inclusion hopes to continue the Longest Table by co-hosting the event on other locations, including the East Baltimore campus and the Hopkins Bloomberg Center in Washington, D.C., ensuring that faculty, staff, and students across the university have an opportunity to participate in these important conversations.