The Inception
In a time where smartphones reign, meaningful social interactions have dwindled. Three years ago, the U.S. Surgeon General recognized that America is in the midst of a loneliness epidemic, with nearly one in two adults reporting feelings of isolation. This epidemic is accelerated largely by an increase of social media usage and a lack of “third spaces.” In other words, connection is at an all-time low and people no longer know where or how to find it.
Maryam Banikarim ’89 P’21 is changing that — one long table and neighborhood at a time.
In 2022, on the heels of a global pandemic that drove social circles apart, Banikarim co-founded The Longest Table, a community event that brings together friends and strangers at a communal table stretching across the streets of one particular location, wherever that may be (The Longest Table has hosted 50 tables in various locations across the country). Attendees bring food, conversation, and a hunger for face-to-face connection.
The Longest Table was initially an answer to a single question: “Why don’t we know our neighbors?”
Inspired by a photo of an Egyptian communal table circulating around the internet combined with the desire to engage with her neighbors, Banikarim decided to host her own version of a block party. The result: 500 guests gathered excitedly around one table in Chelsea.
“You can create the community that you want to create,” said Banikarim. “What I love about The Longest Table is it's very much about grace and trust. It’s organized in a very grassroots way.”
Since, the event has grown exponentially, finding its legs in big cities and small towns across the country — and the world (The Longest Table has been hosted in Argentina).
Interested parties can get involved in a myriad of ways: attending, volunteering, or hosting an event in their preferred location. The Longest Table provides prospective hosts with helpful toolkits to guide them through the organization process.
“You’re participating, you're creating it, you're making it your own,” said Banikarim of the toolkit. “So you get to be part of this bigger thing, which is the Longest Table community, but your table is more individual.”
Each table has a designated table captain, or mini-host. The captains organize a group of 8-10 guests to join their section of the table, and oversee who brings what. The event is technically a potluck, so guests are encouraged to bring their own food, plates, and silverware. Many guests choose to arrive alone, in hopes of striking up a conversation with a new friend. Banikarim assured the event feels welcoming and accessible to all, especially solo attendees. “No one has to relive middle school,” she said.
The Longest Table @ Barnard
On April 30, Barnard hosted its first-ever Longest Table, a full circle moment for Banikarim. “Barnard was where I found my voice and my community,” she said. She returned to Morningside Heights to experience her own creation in the very place that first launched her professional career.
Three tables stretched side by side across Futter Field, a vibrant flurry of students, faculty, staff, alumnae, and friends. Roughly 400 guests attended, many of whom brought decorations to personalize their sections of the tables — balloons, hydrangeas, eucalyptus, pinatas, and paper crowns. The event was catered by Chartwells, Barnard’s dining services, with an inclusive menu offering gluten-free and vegan options.
Though the sky was overcast, spirits were bright. Chatter sounded around the field as attendees intermingled, exchanging both pleasantries and contact information.
“It was a pleasure to be back on Barnard’s campus and to see firsthand all of the wonderful changes taking shape. Gathering over a shared meal made it especially meaningful to reconnect with members of the Barnard community and meet new faces,” said Cindy Lee ’11. “The sense of energy and engagement was palpable, and it was a lovely reminder of how much I enjoyed my time there nearly 15 years ago.”
The day marked a resounding success, filled with connections both new and old, as a tradition took root on Barnard’s campus.
And this isn’t the first time Barnard students have been involved with The Longest Table — two students interned for the organization back in 2025, Dalina Cao ’28 and Shreya Shivakumar ’25.
“Over the summer, I was lucky enough to see Maryam in action, bringing people together and cultivating an environment of trust and authenticity,” said Cao. “Community is now one of the most important pillars in my own life, and I have Maryam to thank for showing me how wonderful it is.”
Mary Rocco, director of engaged scholarship, community engagement and inclusion at Barnard, also performed research for The Longest Table.
“In 2023, my students and I worked with Maryam and The Longest Table to measure the impact of the event. We found it not only reduced loneliness and isolation but also inspired civic pride and increased connection,” said Rocco, who was instrumental in bringing The Longest Table to Barnard’s campus.
The Longest Table gives an incredibly dynamic two-hour shape to something that’s always true about Barnard. That is: we are a garrulous, joyful, disagreeing, loving, incredibly protective, proud, diverse, and inclusive community,” said A-J Aronstein, vice president of Community Engagement & Lifelong Success at Barnard.
“In some ways it’s no surprise that it worked so well here — it’s basically a microcosm of what we live every day.”