For my birthday this year, I decided to combine my favorite things (Family, Friends, Food, History,  and Prince George’s) and join the Prince George’s County Social Innovation Fund in hosting one of three dinner parties with young leaders. On Saturday, August 12th, 2017, fourteen educators, faith leaders, policy makers, community organizers, and entrepreneurs from Prince George’s County convened at the historic Ridgeley Rosenwald School for one of three Seat at the Table Dinners.

Mike Powell of Powell Consulting Group and facilitator extraordinaire guided our discussion, which  covered a myriad of topics, including food justice, economic development, civic engagement, and the infamous P.G. County versus Prince George’s County debate.

Artura Jackson, Assistant of the Prince George’s County Black History Program, provided guests with a tour of the historic African American schoolhouse and reminded visitors of the role it played in the history of the county.

As residents and employees in the county, most participants agreed that the county’s diversity, both in cultural backgrounds of residents and physical land development, is one of its greatest assets. However, it is important that the County leverage this resource by establishing more shared spaces that enables talented individuals to connect and engage and initiatives/opportunities for neighbors to engage more with each other.

The group identified several key next steps that they can collaborate on together including: working with the PGCSIF and the PGCEDC to better distribute resources for entrepreneurs and small businesses owners; conducting a plan on the nightlife economy and ways to strengthen it in the County; and hosting community tours as a method to increase residents awareness of local establishments.

Sponsored by the PGCSIF, A Seat At the Table, served as a county-wide initiative in which residents and stakeholders come together around a table to discuss ways at which we can use our collective genius to generate new ideas that strengthen the communities economically, lead to more equitable solutions and improve the quality of life for Prince George’s County.

There is still time to participate. An opportunity to take a Seat at Table in Upper Marlboro is forthcoming.  For additional information about PGCSIF’s Seat at the Table and how to participate, please visit innovateprincegeorges.org/seatatthetable.