Yesterday, Memphians found a creative way to celebrate “Good Neighbor Day,” as hundreds gathered at Overton Park for a “Longest Table” potluck dinner to share a good meal and strengthen community bonds.
The Longest Table initiative was originally started in 2022 in the Chelsea neighborhood in New York City when co-founders Maryam Banikarim and Andrew Lerner sought to bring a little connection to a world that has become increasingly disconnected.
Since then, more than 30 cities have joined in this initiative, as Memphis came together Sunday under the same mission to bring more than 300 residents together for food and fellowship.
Even co-founder Maryam Banikarim made an appearance yesterday and made the following statement: “It’s incredible, I mean, I think it gives me a lot of hope because I think that in the end it’s just us, people who actually can step in and make a difference.”
