Fall Bistro Menu
EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED.
We are open for dining
Wednesday to Saturday 11:30AM to 2:30PM & 4:30PM to 8:30PM
Order online for takeout orders
Our Farm to Table Menu can be prepared for Take Out,
along with our Family Dinners, Kits & Bistro Boxes To-Go!
Sweet Potato or Pumpkin Pie
Conversations with My White
Friends about Race
My White friends have shared their most-guarded thoughts about their racial privilege, their silent complicity when racial stereotypes were espoused in their presence, or their internal conflict between speaking against racism at the risk of losing the favor of friends, family, or coworkers.”
William T. Lewis, Sr. MSW, Ph.D.
“I don’t recall another time in my life when I have talked with so many White people about race, racism, and oppression in the United States as I have since the summer of 2020.”
William T. Lewis, Sr. MSW, Ph.D.
Available For Purchase at:
Sweet Potato or Pumpkin Pie: Conversations with My White Friends about Race, Dr. William T. Lewis,
talks with his White friends about perhaps one of the hardest conversation topics in America, racism. William and his friends discuss the human toll of racism, and the promise of a better tomorrow. They discuss the hope for the future, by sharing a commitment to move through the ally continuum, from ally to accomplice to conspirator.
If you are looking for a book that offers authentic and transparent conversations
In this book
about race and racism and offers you hope in a blame and shame free manner, then you must order your copy today.
What Readers Are Saying. . .
Sweet Potato or Pumpkin Pie brilliantly illuminates Dr. Lewis’ deeply held equity principles through meaningful conversations and impactful history lessons.
Robert Egleston
Through trusted conversations, Dr. Lewis uncovers the truth to reveal the always ugly, often stealthy reality of racism so we can examine and change. MORE conversations are needed, and I hope this is the first of many books.
​
Claire Tuttle
Dr. William T. Lewis, Sr. has given us a rare gift in Sweet Potato or Pumpkin Pie. It’s a personal, insightful, empathetic look at race and allyship from both Black and White perspectives. A gifted storyteller, Dr. Lewis invites us on a walk down memory lane where he gently weaves together his experiences growing up and adulting Black with historical snapshots of structural racism's stronghold in America. His interviews with White friends and colleagues who open up about their own racial awakening make this the perfect springboard to your own brave conversations about race.
Laura Zielke, Director of Online Learning & Innovation, Nonprofit Leadership Lab
"When I first met Dr. Lewis, he asked me this question: 'What do you prefer, sweet potato or pumpkin pie?' From that question, I was led into a fascinating exploration of the perceptions we make based on race. Now, Dr. Lewis has expanded this question into a book that is part memoir, part history, part social commentary about race in modern America. This is an approachable book for individuals or groups who want to explore their identity and biases in a healthy and supportive way. Equal parts challenging and encouraging, Sweet Potato or Pumpkin Pie is a book I will strongly recommend to our community."
​
Jamie Rogers Southern, Executive Director, Bookmarks
About the Author
Dr. William T. Lewis
Dr. William T. Lewis, Sr., nationally recognized diversity, and inclusion thought leader, and entrepreneur is an advisor and consultant to university presidents, and small to mid-size business leaders.
​
As a former Chief Diversity Officer, Lewis has led diversity and inclusion efforts at three highly acclaimed colleges and universities-- Indiana University, Bridgewater State University and Virginia Tech University. Lewis formerly served as the Special Consultant to the President for Belonging, Equity and Inclusion at Forsyth Technical Community College.
​
Lewis is founder of WillHouseGlobal, a firm that provides diversity, equity, and inclusion consulting to companies who aspire to attract top talent, retain loyal customers and to lead in their industries!
​
Lewis proudly served in the United States Marine Corps Reserves (1990-1996).
​
Course:
Mastering Difficult Conversations With C.A.R.E.
If you...
-
Are a leader looking to build trust and foster a culture of inclusion, and belonging
​
-
Are committed to creating a safe and respectful space where diverse perspectives can be openly shared
​
-
Are ready to lead your team with confidence and compassion, guiding them through difficult conversations
​
Then this workshop is for you!
​Talking about race, religion, politics, and other sensitive topics can feel overwhelming, especially in a workplace setting. These conversations are deeply tied to identity and personal values, making them challenging yet essential for building inclusive and respectful environments. As a people leader, your ability to navigate these discussions is critical for fostering trust, collaboration, and belonging within your team.
​
In this interactive workshop, you’ll learn how to approach difficult conversations with confidence and skill using the C.A.R.E. framework—Curiosity, Authenticity, Respectfulness, and Empathy.
Through engaging exercises, real-world scenarios, and guided reflections, you will develop practical strategies to:
-
Foster open dialogue that values diverse perspectives.
-
Create a safe space for meaningful conversations about sensitive topics.
-
Manage emotional reactions—both yours and others—during challenging discussions.
-
Build trust and understanding through active listening and thoughtful communication.
​
By the end of this workshop, you will:
-
Feel equipped to lead with courage and compassion.
-
Learn to guide your team through conversations that strengthen relationships, enhance understanding, and support a culture of respect and inclusion.
-
Leave with actionable tools to find common ground and build stronger connections.
​
Cost: $105.00 per person and consists of 4 self-paced micro sessions.
​
Let's Start A Conversation Replays
Grab a slice of sweet potato or pumpkin pie, or your favorite dessert and join me and Rose McGee, founder of Sweet Potato Comfort Pie in an engaging conversation about Pie and Racism in America. We will also discuss how Rose uses her sweet potato pies as a source of healing during moments of racial crisis.
Rev. Dr. Jamie Washington Dr. Carol Henderson and Dr. David Macintosh will provide commentary and answers to this one question that has plagued K-12 Education, Higher Education and state politics: Why is Critical Race Theory the Enemy?
Dr David Docusen, Tim Kaelin, and Jared Karol, An Invitation to Reflect and Act, share about their work to confront racism and other forms of social injustice within their communities.
Did you know that the rivalry between sweet potato or pumpkin pie intersects racial and geographical lines?
Prefer Sweet Potato Pie
Prefer Pumpkin Pie
Strongly Prefer Pumpkin Pie
Randle, Aaron. 2018. "Sweet Potato vs. Pumpkin: The intense Thanksgiving pie rivalry you never knew existed." The Kansas City Star. 20 November. Accessed November, 2020. https://www.kansascity.com/living/liv-columns-blogs/chow-town/article221670310.html.
Read the article below to learn more
Listen to Dr. Lewis and three of his friends discuss their perspectives on race and racism