At the Table

"Gather 'round party goers as if your still livin" - Slick Rick

Now that the holiday season is over, everyone has stuffed their face and fed their bellies. Break is over, school is in session, so let’s feed your mind.

A few weeks ago a college friend of mine called me after a solo lunch date at Phillipe Chow Restaurant in New York City. I could hear the distress in his voice. It wasn’t because he had food poisoning. As a matter of fact, the food was great, the drinks were tasty and the server was knowledgeable and helpful. The cause of his anguish was rooted in a deeper difficulty.

In the short span of an hour, amidst the jostling and continuous movement that is New York City, 33 East 60^th Street & Madison Ave to be exact. My good friend and fellow brother, Paul, came to a conclusion. Unsettling and disappointing as it may be, a conclusion none the less.

On the phone, Paul recounted his mid -afternoon meal with himself at this established eatery. As he sat and enjoyed his velvet chicken over white rice (which he chewed 71 times) he couldn’t help but overhear to his right, an Asian couple discussing plans to expand their franchise, while sharing a batch of spring rolls. To his left a business luncheon between two Caucasians, who are discussing ideas to strength their business strategies. And in the middle sits Paul, a black, ambitious young man at the table… alone.  He finishes the last mouthful of chicken, sips down the rest of his beverage, signs the check and he leaves.

Why are we not discussing which banking institution has the best rates for our children’s trust fund?  Why are we not devising plans to open business' that benefits the community and not just our pockets?  Why are we not at the table together?

… It’s time to eat.

I AM WE.