In the words of Dani and Rob...

 

Our household is made up of Rob and Renee and their daughters, Halle, Dani, and Jenna. We have always prioritized the importance of open dialogue, preparing me, Dani, and my sisters to enter the world as critical thinkers who consider various and opposing perspectives. We often played a dinner game called “Courtroom” where I, Rob, along with my wife, Renee, would pick topics for us to discuss and debate, oftentimes from perspectives that differ from our own. We debated topics ranging from gun rights to immigration to foreign aid. This game was foundational to our family's goal to seek out diverse perspectives and to grow in doing so.  

 

During my sophomore year, I took a class titled “Freedom without Freedom.” which included reading Fredrick Douglass’s Fourth of July Speech and discussing its implications on free speech. Intrigued by Douglass’s affinity and commitment to protecting open dialogue, I was inspired to ultimately expand the Courtroom concept and start Lincoln-Douglass Dinners. The name is a twist on Abraham Lincoln’s and Stephen Douglas’s 1858 U.S. Senate election debates modified and updated by Frederick Douglass’s affinity for open discourse.  

 

Lincoln-Douglass Dinners serve as a space to discuss social, cultural, and philosophical questions that are exploratory in nature with the goal to understand “The Why” behind an individual’s beliefs. Given the current climate of free speech, especially in schools and colleges, being less than ideal, it is evident of the importance of the need of designated settings for honest and respectful dialogue. We grow as individuals, becoming broader and more critical thinkers, when we engage with opposing viewpoints. And, a good, tasty meal is essential for a thoughtful discussion! Lincoln-Douglass Dinners will inspire you to bring similar forums of free expression and debate to your homes, schools, and communities.

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Dani and Rob

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