Nearly 100 Community Members Gather for "Breaking Bread: A Night with the Judge"
On Tuesday evening, nearly 100 community members filled the Anderson Arts Center for an evening centered on storytelling, fellowship, and reconciliation as the Anderson Area Remembrance & Reconciliation Initiative (AAR&RI) welcomed Judge Pauline Hankins of Brunswick County, North Carolina, for the third gathering in the 2026 Breaking Bread series.
Neighbors from across Anderson County gathered around shared tables, enjoyed a meal together, and participated in a conversation that explored justice, history, family, and hope. Before the program even began, the room reflected the spirit of the evening. Friends embraced, strangers introduced themselves, and conversations unfolded across generations and backgrounds.
The evening was led by many of the community's youngest participants. Teen hosts welcomed guests as they arrived, helping create an atmosphere of hospitality from the moment people entered the Arts Center. The program opened with a moving performance by 16-year-old musician Khasius Hunt, followed by a communal blessing offered by Constance Seemuller that invited everyone to center themselves around the shared work of remembrance and reconciliation.
Judge Hankins, who serves as a Juvenile Court Judge and leads Brunswick County's Safe Babies Court, shared her remarkable personal journey during a conversation moderated by Bobby Rettew. She described how Safe Babies Court brings together judges, social workers, healthcare professionals, and families to help infants and young children heal from trauma while providing parents with the support needed to safely reunify their families. Rather than focusing solely on legal proceedings, the program emphasizes healing, early intervention, and restoring families whenever possible.
Throughout the evening, Judge Hankins reflected on growing up in a close-knit family of fourteen children, the values instilled by her parents, and the importance of community in shaping young lives. She reminded those gathered that "every family needs a village," a theme that resonated throughout the evening as guests reflected on the power of relationships and belonging.
One of the evening's most powerful moments came as Judge Hankins shared the story of discovering that the courthouse where she now serves as a judge sits on land once worked by her enslaved ancestors. Rather than allowing that history to define her through bitterness, she spoke about choosing service, grace, and faith as the legacy she hopes to leave for future generations. Her story illustrated the extraordinary journey from enslavement to public service, reminding those in attendance that history does not simply shape who we have been—it also challenges us to consider who we choose to become.
Audience members remained fully engaged throughout the conversation, asking thoughtful questions about leadership, perseverance, faith, and justice. Many young people sought Judge Hankins' advice about education, careers, and serving their own communities, continuing conversations long after the formal program concluded.
The evening also included a special recognition from The Champion Center. Judge Hankins became the inaugural recipient of the organization's Red Cape Society recognition, honoring her lifelong commitment to advocating for children and families. The presentation celebrated her leadership as a champion for children and her unwavering dedication to helping vulnerable families heal.
As the evening came to a close, each table was invited to share a single word or phrase they would carry forward from the conversation. Responses echoed throughout the room: Grace. Family. Faith. Legacy. Bravery. Hope. Together, they formed a collective benediction—a reminder that reconciliation is built one conversation, one relationship, and one shared meal at a time.
AAR&RI extends its sincere gratitude to Judge Pauline Hankins and her sister for traveling to Anderson to share their story, to the Anderson Arts Center for hosting the evening, to our volunteers, teen leaders, musicians, community partners, and every person who joined us around the table.
The Breaking Bread series continues this fall with its final gathering of 2026 as AAR&RI welcomes artist Nat Morris for a conversation surrounding The American Dream. Together, we will continue the work of remembering our past, listening to one another, and building the Beloved Community.
