Family reunions have a long history of reuniting and keeping Black American families together – from emancipation, through the Great Migration, until today.
But don’t get it twisted! Black family reunions are about much more than Auntie’s potato salad and doing line dances.
Enslavement intentionally tore apart Black families, and it was nearly impossible to stay connected. It was common for formerly enslaved people to put out ads in Black newspapers searching for their kinfolk. After emancipation, Black families that had been separated needed a way to gather together again.
And when we did, beautiful things happened.
In one corner, kids are running and playing games. In another, an elder is telling a family story. Someone is passing a donation plate for college scholarships. The electric slide and a game of spades are popping off.
Family reunions are a sacred, loving space filled with education, enjoyment, storytelling, an imparting of the family’s values, and even political organizing.
But our family reunions aren't happening as often as they used to – due to the ongoing pandemic and for some, financial constraints. But this is a ritual and tradition that we must continue.
Black families deserve to pass on our stories and traditions, exist together in affirming spaces, and grow together. Family reunions can help build the strong Black families we need to keep our culture intact and fight for liberation.