- Aiden McNeil, 22
"The beautiful thing about the conversation was that anytime something controversial came up, it always ended in a laugh. It was open and honest, which is cool."
Meals for the Mind
Begun in September 2024, ‘Meals for the Mind’ is a groundbreaking series by the MLK Heritage Foundation: intimate evenings where a small group of people from different backgrounds - whether cultural, racial, ideological, or generational – share a meal, talk, and simply get to know each other. Held at the Blackstone Library and catered by the Branford High School Culinary Arts program, the dinners provide a judgment-free zone where people can shed negative narratives and see each other as individuals.
“As a child, I saw my parents, who were very active in civil rights, bring together people with different viewpoints – political, religious, whatever – and they did that with food," explains Mary Fitz-Perry, President of the MLK Heritage Foundation. "When you have good food, there’s a comfort to it. It lets down the guard a little bit so you can be open and have true conversation. It’s not anyone pointing a finger at you because you don’t agree with them. Instead, you try to understand where they’re coming from.”
If you're interested in attending a Meals for the Mind, or helping out, or supporting the efforts of the MLK Heritage Foundation, Get Involved.
Ed Vescovi, 62
We had different philosophies, but it was comfortable and respectful. It was a great reminder of what people from different races have to deal with, and also a confirmation of how much we do have in common.
Frank Carrano, 86
When you bring people together to talk about how we behave with each other, how we treat each other, how we see each other, it’s a wonderful idea.
Clara Pagliaro, 28
Meals for the Mind is so valuable and so needed. I think it should be
happening more and more in different communities. It really touched me.
