Character Analysis: Gather At The Table

It was more than a road trip; it was a long journey of healing, exploration, and learning about history, racial divide, and friendship. Gather at the Table presents cultural differences and similarities between the main characters, Tom and Sharon, throughout the story through conflict and meaningful dialogue. These differences and similarities are revealed all over the map as the two traveled across twenty-seven states. Noteworthy moments when they were revealed include: when they meet while Coming to the Table, learning about their genealogy and visiting the segregated city of Chicago.
Sharon and Tom meet at a Coming to the Table Conference, where people of different races gather to make Dr. Martin Luther King's dream come true. The two are intrigued by the conference for vastly different reasons. Due to Sharon's

Tom has chosen to understand and gain intercultural competency. Sharon experienced racism whilst living in the still partially segregated city of Chicago. Sharon states that, "Even today, although black people have pushed the boundaries and spread into the suburbs, in the city, we remain divided into enclaves." (DeWolf & Morgan, 2012, p. 62). When Sharon and Tom visit Chicago, Tom is struggling to understand the fear Sharon holds for white people. Sharon shared with Tom an undoubtedly shocking memory, “It was a common belief that at any time, white people could block our escape from all directions, load us onto trains, and take us to concentration camps.” (DeWolf & Morgan, 2012, p. 60). Tom is appalled by this statement and assumes that the community was paranoid. Sharon points out the distinct variation in how the cultures carry themselves. Sharon mentions how Tom reminds her of so many white people who she sees roaming neighborhoods like hers and appear to feel so secure. In this example, the dominant culture does not experience paranoia and fear due to their