Monday, October 27, 2025
6:00 – 8:30 PM
Kansas City, Missouri
About the Event
The 19th Annual Dialogue & Friendship Dinner and Award Ceremony brought together community leaders, educators, faith leaders, nonprofit organizations, students, and citizens for an evening celebrating friendship, dialogue, and our shared humanity.
Hosted by the Dialogue Institute Kansas City and the Kansas City Raindrop Foundation, the 2025 event centered on the theme “Peace Begins with a Meal.” Drawing on wisdom from diverse religious and cultural traditions, the program explored how the simple act of sharing a meal can foster understanding, strengthen relationships, and create opportunities for reconciliation in an increasingly divided world.
The evening featured a keynote address by Dr. Scott C. Alexander, Professor of Islamic Studies and Christian-Muslim Relations at Catholic Theological Union, followed by the presentation of the annual community awards recognizing outstanding leadership in media and public service.
Keynote Speaker
Dr. Scott C. Alexander
(Professional Headshot)
Biography
Dr. Scott C. Alexander is Professor of Islamic Studies and Christian-Muslim Relations and Director of the Interschool Doctor of Ministry Program at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. An internationally respected scholar of Islam, comparative theology, and interfaith dialogue, his academic work focuses on fostering deeper understanding between religious communities through education, scholarship, and personal encounter.
Throughout his career, Dr. Alexander has written, lectured, and participated in dialogue initiatives around the world, encouraging communities of faith to engage one another with humility, compassion, and mutual respect. His scholarship emphasizes that authentic religious commitment should inspire service, reconciliation, and peacebuilding across cultural and theological boundaries.
Keynote Presentation
Peace Begins with a Meal
Dr. Alexander’s keynote reflected on one of humanity’s oldest and most universal traditions: sharing a meal. Drawing examples from Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Indigenous traditions, and Buddhism, he demonstrated that communal meals have long served as symbols of reconciliation, hospitality, generosity, and peace.
He argued that gathering around a table is more than a social custom—it is a spiritual practice that reminds people of their shared humanity and creates space for genuine dialogue. In a world increasingly marked by polarization, fear, and misunderstanding, he challenged participants to view hospitality as a practical path toward healing communities and strengthening civic life.
The presentation also explored the writings of German theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer, whose reflections on the dangers of uncritical thinking and social conformity served as a call for greater self-awareness and moral responsibility. Rather than focusing on the faults of others, Dr. Alexander encouraged listeners to examine their own assumptions and approach disagreement with humility and openness.
Drawing inspiration from the teachings of M. Fethullah Gülen, Dr. Alexander introduced the Turkish concept of hoşgörü—a spirit of gracious understanding, compassionate tolerance, and generous regard for others. He concluded that cultivating this virtue through dialogue, hospitality, and shared experiences enables communities to move beyond division and become agents of peace.
Presentation Highlights
Exploring the shared tradition of communal meals across the world’s faiths
Understanding hospitality as a foundation for peace and reconciliation
Recognizing shared humanity through dialogue and fellowship
Reflecting on Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s warning against uncritical conformity and polarization
Embracing hoşgörü as a practice of compassion, understanding, and generosity
Encouraging communities to build peace through service, friendship, and meaningful relationships
Dr. Alexander concluded by reminding participants that lasting peace is built not only through dialogue but also through simple acts of hospitality that invite people to see one another with compassion, dignity, and grace.
Guest Speaker
Enes Kanter Freedom
(Professional Headshot)
Biography
Enes Kanter Freedom is a former NBA player, human rights advocate, author, and global champion for democracy and freedom. During his 11-year NBA career, he played for the Utah Jazz, Oklahoma City Thunder, New York Knicks, Portland Trail Blazers, and Boston Celtics, earning recognition for both his athletic achievements and his unwavering commitment to human rights.
Beyond basketball, Freedom has become an internationally respected voice for freedom of expression, religious liberty, and democratic values. Through speeches, public advocacy, and international engagement, he has encouraged individuals to stand against oppression and defend the fundamental rights and dignity of all people.
He is the author of In the Name of Freedom: A Political Dissident’s Fight for Human Rights in the NBA, a New York Times bestseller, in which he shares his remarkable journey from professional athlete to outspoken advocate for democracy, justice, and human dignity.
Guest Presentation
In the Name of Freedom
Drawing from the experiences chronicled in his bestselling memoir, In the Name of Freedom, Enes Kanter Freedom shared his deeply personal journey of courage, conviction, and sacrifice. He reflected on the challenges of speaking out for human rights, the importance of defending democratic values, and the responsibility each individual has to stand up for those whose voices cannot be heard.
His inspiring message encouraged attendees to embrace moral courage, protect freedom of expression, and recognize that meaningful change begins when individuals are willing to act according to their principles.
Presentation Highlights
The journey from NBA athlete to global human rights advocate
Defending democracy, freedom, and human dignity
Finding the courage to speak truth despite personal sacrifice
Using sports as a platform for positive social change
Inspiring future generations to lead with integrity and compassion
Promoting hope through resilience and principled leadership
Following his presentation, attendees were invited to a special book-signing session, where Enes Kanter Freedom met guests and signed copies of hi s New York Times bestselling memoir, In the Name of Freedom: A Political Dissident’s Fight for Human Rights in the NBA. The session provided participants with an opportunity to engage personally with Freedom and continue conversations about leadership, resilience, and the pursuit of justice.
2025 Award Recipients
The Dialogue & Friendship Dinner recognizes individuals and organizations whose dedication to public service, education, media, and community engagement reflects the values of dialogue, friendship, and mutual understanding. The 2025 honorees have each made significant contributions to building a more informed, compassionate, and connected Kansas City community.
Media Excellence Award
Kansas City PBS
For more than six decades, Kansas City PBS has served as the region’s trusted public media organization, providing educational programming, in-depth journalism, and cultural storytelling that enriches communities throughout the Kansas City metropolitan area.
Through its commitment to factual reporting, lifelong learning, and meaningful community conversations, Kansas City PBS has created a platform where diverse voices and perspectives can be heard. Its local productions highlight issues that matter most to the region while encouraging civic engagement, cultural appreciation, and informed public dialogue.
The Media Excellence Award recognizes Kansas City PBS for its enduring commitment to public service broadcasting and its role in fostering understanding, education, and community connection through the power of media.
Community Service Award
Maria José Ramírez Braiz
Maria José Ramírez Braiz is an outstanding community leader and advocate whose work has strengthened Kansas City’s immigrant and multicultural communities through education, outreach, and public service.
Throughout her career, she has worked alongside nonprofit organizations, civic institutions, and community partners to expand opportunities for underserved populations while promoting inclusion, cultural understanding, and civic participation. Her leadership has empowered individuals and families to become active contributors to the social and economic vitality of the region.
The Community Service Award honors Maria José Ramírez Braiz for her unwavering commitment to serving others, building bridges across cultures, and fostering a more welcoming and inclusive community for all.
Celebrating Leadership Through Dialogue
The 2025 Dialogue & Friendship Dinner reaffirmed the belief that peace is built through everyday acts of hospitality, understanding, and service. Dr. Scott C. Alexander’s keynote reminded participants that across the world’s faith traditions, sharing a meal is far more than a social custom—it is a sacred act that nurtures trust, reconciliation, and human connection. By embracing the spirit of hoşgörü—compassionate understanding and generous regard for others—communities can overcome division and cultivate lasting peace.
The evening’s award recipients embodied these same ideals through their service to the Kansas City community. Whether by fostering informed public dialogue through trusted journalism or by empowering individuals through compassionate community leadership, Kansas City PBS and Maria José Ramírez Braiz exemplify the mission of the Dialogue & Friendship Dinner: building bridges across cultures, faiths, and communities while inspiring a more peaceful, inclusive, and connected society.
