From: Mayor Mitchell J. Landrieu  Date: Thu, Jul 23, 2015 at 12:18 PM Subject: Invitation to Join the Discussion To: "Mayor Mitchell J. Landrieu"  Cc: "Judy R. Morse"    Dear Civic Leader:   As stated during remarks to the New Orleans City Council last week, I have called on the people of New Orleans to participate in a public discussion regarding four monuments in our city: the Robert E. Lee statue at Lee Circle, the Jefferson Davis statue on Jefferson Davis Parkway, the P.G.T. Beauregard equestrian statue on Esplanade Avenue at the entrance to City Park and the Battle of Liberty Place monument on Iberville Street. While the focus on these monuments has brought to the surface a wide variety of perspectives, it is important that we as a city find a way to respectfully share with and learn from one another in order to move our city forward. It is with this idea in mind that I invite you to take part in a one day process designed to facilitate a better understanding of all sides of this issue.   The Welcome Table New Orleans, a citywide initiative focused on race, reconciliation and community, will host an invitation-only discussion circle on Thursday, July 30 from 9:30am to 3:00pm at the Hyatt Regency New Orleans Hotel at 601 Loyola Avenue. The Welcome Table creates opportunities for diverse residents to share perspectives, learn from others and build relationships that help to advance shared ideas and goals in a civil and respectful space. The Welcome Table discussion circle that you are being asked to participate in will be led by two experienced and well-trained facilitators with the William Winter Institute for Racial Reconciliation, the partner organization of the Welcome Table New Orleans. 7/23/2015 The Lens Mail - Fwd: Invitation to Join the Discussion   I realize that asking for almost an entire day in your schedule is a big ask. However, I believe it is important to spend more time than a passing conversation or a news sound bite allows for on such an important topic. And, even if you think you don't have an opinion on this issue or that there are more important issues to consider, you shouldn't miss this opportunity to become better informed about the issue and the ways in which the monuments have impacted people from all walks of life in our city.   If you have any questions about how the Welcome Table works, please contact Judy Morse at jrmorse@nola.gov or 504­658­4900.   To RSVP for the circle discussion on July 30, please email jrmorse@nola.gov.   Thank you in advance for your participation and for your civic leadership.   Sincerely, Mitchell J. Landrieu Mayor, City of New Orleans   THIS INVITATION IS NON­TRANSFERABLE