A Black and White Affair: Conversations on Race,

About the event

A Black and White Affair: Conversations on Race and the American Experience

Convened by TogetherInWitness

Sunday, July 5, 2026 | Washington, DC Metro Area (Venue TBD) | Formal Black & White Attire

A Black and White Affair is a formal dinner of witness through guided table conversations following the 250th anniversary of American Independence. Using short readings from Pelumi Olatinpo’s Manifest Destiny as anchors for conversation on racial and social injustice, this event aims to identify and work towards racial reconciliation in a nation proclaiming “liberty and justice for all.”

On July 5th, 1852, Frederick Douglass proclaimed “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?” This address provides an impetus from which discussions of American history and its foundational beliefs can be contested through storytelling and active listening. 

Program at a Glance: 

1. Arrival

   1. Guests will view the Gallery of Witness: 8-10 easels displaying quotes from Manifest Destiny and one focus question on social responsibility. Cocktails will be served.

2. Prologue

   1. Runway set from ‘Silhouette’ fashion, a luxury designer blending African elegance and Western influence. It will be followed by an opening invocation from Manifest Destiny.

3. Main Event

   1. Dinner will be served during the Two Chairs Dialogue. The convener will ask a high profile guest speaker three questions about their genuine American experience.

   2. Guests will participate in three guided rounds of discussion at their table. Discussion prompts will be centered on inherited or learned preconceptions and prejudices, moments of encountered injustice, and responsible practices to repair inequality.

4. Closing

   1. Commitment cards naming actions to take towards a more equal future will be collected and a final reading from Manifest Destiny  will be shared. Social Hour Follows. 

Why should you sponsor?

TogetherInWitness is dedicated to publishing socio-conscious literary works that console, celebrate, and challenge our collective consciousness. Our shared audience of change-makers offers a valuable opportunity to increase engagement within the D.C. community and foster long term relationships with potential members. We are confident this event idea will be a success because of our previous transformative discussions in partnership with Howard University’s Library Systems and New York University. 

Olivia Borowiak

TogetherInWitness is a micro indie press dedicated to publishing literature that witnesses truth and builds community. We are committed to inclusivity, empathy, and equality.

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