Durham School of the Arts’ Dining with Democracy
Four evenings. Shared culture. Shared meals. Student-led conversation.
There’s a seat for you at the table.
Durham School of the Arts' Dining with Democracy brings high school students from across Durham Public Schools together for cultural experiences, a shared meal, and conversations about the ideas that matter to them. DSA students help create and lead each event.
FREE & OPEN TO ALL DPS HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
Four events during the 2026–27 school year. Dinner and everything you need to participate are provided.
Space is limited. Registration is required.
Four events during the 2026–27 school year. Dinner and everything you need to participate are provided.
Space is limited. Registration is required.
The 2026-27 Series
Each event brings students together for a cultural experience, a shared meal, and conversations led by DSA students. Across the series, students will encounter new perspectives and have time and space for thoughtful civic conversations with one another.
October 6, 2026
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DECEMBER 8, 2026 Pierce Freelon Durham artist, author, educator, entrepreneur, and former City Council member Pierce Freelon joins Durham School of the Arts' Dining with Democracy. Freelon is a GRAMMY®-nominated artist, author, and Afrofuturist creator whose work spans music, storytelling, youth development, civic life, and entrepreneurship, offering students a distinctly Durham perspective on creativity, community, and the different ways we shape the places we call home. Students will also get a taste of Coco Fro, Freelon's newest Durham venture, alongside dinner and student-led civic conversations facilitated by DSA students. Music • Storytelling • Creativity • Durham |
Coming in Spring 2027
March 2 • May 4
Durham School of the Arts' Dining with Democracy continues in the spring with two new cultural experiences, shared meals, and student-led civic conversations. DSA student leaders will have a voice in shaping the spring programming as additional artists, creators, and community partners are identified.
What Happens at Durham School of the Arts' Dining with Democracy?
ARRIVE
Meet high school students from across Durham.
EXPERIENCE
Encounter an artist, author, story, history, or new perspective.
EAT
Share a meal prepared by Northern High School Culinary CTE students.
TALK
Join a civic conversation facilitated by DSA student leaders.
CONNECT
Leave knowing more about the people and perspectives around the table.
Student-Led Means Student-Led
Durham School of the Arts' Dining with Democracy is built with students, not simply for them. DSA students select civic dialogue topics, develop questions, and prepare to facilitate conversations with their peers.
Adults do the legwork—building partnerships, finding resources, coordinating artists and cultural experiences, and making each event possible. Students decide what happens around the table.
Adults do the legwork—building partnerships, finding resources, coordinating artists and cultural experiences, and making each event possible. Students decide what happens around the table.
We Don’t Have to Agree to Share a Table
Civic conversation isn’t about reaching the same conclusion. It’s about bringing your own experiences and ideas to the table, listening to people who may see things differently, asking questions, and disagreeing thoughtfully.
At Durham School of the Arts' Dining with Democracy, there are no predetermined conclusions. The goal isn’t consensus. It’s greater understanding.
At Durham School of the Arts' Dining with Democracy, there are no predetermined conclusions. The goal isn’t consensus. It’s greater understanding.
About Durham School of the Arts’ Dining with Democracy
Durham School of the Arts’ Dining with Democracy expands student-led civic dialogue beyond the school day, bringing high school students from across Durham Public Schools together for cultural experiences, shared meals, and conversation.
The series adapts the Dining with Democracy model developed at NC State University. At DSA, student leaders shape and facilitate the civic conversations while the Library Media Center brings together the artists, cultural experiences, meals, partnerships, and resources that make each event possible.
The series adapts the Dining with Democracy model developed at NC State University. At DSA, student leaders shape and facilitate the civic conversations while the Library Media Center brings together the artists, cultural experiences, meals, partnerships, and resources that make each event possible.
Partners & Supporters
Presented by
Durham School of the Arts Library Media Center
Durham School of the Arts Library Media Center
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In partnership with
NC State University Northern High School Culinary CTE The Regulator |
2026–27 Featured Guests & Partners
Amra Sabic-El-Rayess Pierce Freelon Coco Fro |
There’s a Seat at the Table
Durham Public Schools high school students are invited to take part in Durham School of the Arts’ Dining with Democracy. Come for the cultural experience and a shared meal. Bring your questions, your perspective, and a willingness to listen.
Participation is free. Space is limited. Registration is required.
