"It's kind of a spontaneous thing that came up," Carter said.

He said conversations are key to curing our divisions, and he wanted to hear from residents about the direction the city is moving in in person.

"I just think the world will be better if we just talk and we just eat together and if we just kind of come together," Carter said.

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The luncheon took place at Public Kitchen + Bar across from Mears Park. Approximately 75-100 people showed up to break bread with him.

"This sounded like a great event. It was kind of short notice and I was in the area. I live on West 7th, so it was pretty close to me too," Kendra Gilbertson said.

Jason Shiggs said his wife suggested he go.

"She wants to like move to Roseville or Eagan. I think as a person that is African American there's not to many options for where I want to live, I want to raise my kids. I want to give Saint Paul a chance," he said.

Carter said his request for anyone who showed up was to leave the luncheon knowing somebody they didn't know before walking in.

"There's no substitute for eating together, people breaking bread together," he said.