5/8/2008 5:00:00 AM Group promotes race relations with 'Two and Two' dining
By DANIEL MCPHEARSON Staff Reporter
In an attempt to promote race relations a faith-based organization is joining with area restaurants to offer special discounts to those dining with someone of a different race.
Two and Two Restaurant Days is being promoted by Mission Mississippi with at least two Madison County restaurants taking part.
As part of the program individuals who invite someone of a different race to eat lunch or dinner at a participating restaurant on May 20 or 22, will receive a 22 percent discount on their meal.
Mission Mississippi Operations Manager Otilia Sebuktekin said all patrons have to do before being seated is mention the Two and Two Restaurant Days to the restaurant staff.
" This is a perfect, perfect opportunity to enjoy good food and get to know someone," Sebuktekin said.
The main purpose of Two and Two Restaurant Days is to deepen existing relationships and form new ones, she said, adding that people have to be " intentional when it comes to building relationships with someone different."
Participating Madison County restaurants include the Pan-Asia Restaurant on Avery Boulevard in Ridgeland and the Primos Cafe and Bake Shop on Lake Harbour Drive in Ridgeland.
Don Primos, owner of the latter restaurant, said that his business has been supporting Mission Mississippi through Two and Two Restaurant Days for a number of years. He said it is important for people to work together to try to be successful as a community.
The Two and Two restaurant days, an event that has been going on for 14 years, comes this year just a few weeks after Mission Mississippi released new statistics on race relations in Mississippi.
According to a press release from the organization, the statistics show that 70 percent of the state's population believes race relations have improved, but the statistics also show that 90 percent of the Christians in the state believe more improvement is needed.
The press release quoted Mission Mississippi President Dr. Dolphus Weary as saying, " It is important for our organization to have a clear understanding of Mississippians' perceptions and viewpoints on the subject of racial reconciliation. Our goal is to use our Christian faith to encourage and demonstrate unity across racial and denominational lines. This research will serve as a guide for us as we continue our mission to change Mississippi--especially by sharing our message with younger generations."
