Sunday, August 22, 1999
Black Family Reunion proves educational as well as entertaining
Music, information draw crowd to river
BY ALLEN HOWARD
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Among a sea of families from Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois and Michigan, diversity was part of the mix during the 11th Annual Black Family Reunion Celebration on Saturday at Sawyer Point on the Riverfront.
Randy Starks and Alexis Thomas, a white couple from Florence, ignored the name “Black Family Reunion.”
“I feel right at home,” said Mr. Starks, clapping his hands as the Mystics sang “Sugar Pie Honey Bun.”
Ms. Thomas said she attends every year.
“The family gathering is the part that impresses me,” she said. “I don't care if it is white or black.”
Kings and queens
In a nearby booth, Lisa Yvette Brown, the 1999 Mid-Western Region recipient of the Excellence in Teaching Award, told a group about the importance of educating children.
“African-American children need to know that they did not come from slavery,” she said. “Their ancestors were kings and queens. Once they know this, they will not be enslaved: not by drugs, and not by anybody.”
Ms. Brown, a second-grade teacher at Nicholson Specialty School for Math & Science in Chicago, received a marriage proposal from Cook County Deputy Sheriff Lloyd Jeff the same day she received the award here Thursday.
The answer, of course, was yes.
“I just wanted to make her weekend wonderful,” Mr. Jeff said.
Rows of booths were filled with information on stress management, spirituality, education, family values, physical fitness, health, communication and music — mostly gospel and rhythm and blues.
Celebration continues
The reunion is an annual outing for Monroe and Stacey Barnes of North Avondale and their children, Daniel, 12, and Mellorie, 11.
“I love the openness where you can walk around, see lots of people, families and get lots of information,” Mrs. Barnes said.
Families mingled nearly a half mile along the river shoreline from Sawyer Point to the Public Landing.
The celebration continues today from noon to 5 p.m.
Events include gospel singing, R&B performances, and a tribute to the Mid-Western Region Black Family of the Year, the Rev. Donald and Cathy Jordan.
The Rev. Mr. Jordan is pastor of Allen Temple in Roselawn. The family owns the Thompson, Hall and Jordan Funeral Homes.
There will be seminars on family finances, health and fitness; demonstrations of drill teams, boxing and golf; and spiritual diversity.
The reunion celebration is sponsored by the National Council of Negro Women and WIZF Radio/Blue Chip Broadcasting Co.
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