Black Family Reunions: Its a Tradition

The cultural history of African-Americans has been damaged by negative images and views that define the Black story as a narrative of victim hood, dis functional families, and gang bangers. Contrary to what is told and promoted there are more positive and great stories of the sojourn of Black Americans than the retold illustrations of despair, sadness, and hopelessness. One of the great topics of victory is the development of Black Family Reunions.

Organized African-American Family Reunions can be traced back to June 19th, 1865 when Major General Gordan Granger of the Union announced in Galveston, Texas that slavery had ended. Granger's presentation came two and one-half years after President Abraham Lincoln issued his Emancipation Proclamation executive order that called for the end of the peculiar institution. The problem with the order is that the Confederate States of America did not recognize the decree since they had defined themselves as a separate nation and that the Union did not have the military power in Texas to enforce the 1863 order.

In 1865 things were completely different. One General Lee of the Confederate Army had surrendered in April of that year. Secondly, Granger arrived in Texas with a commanding force that could enforce the order.

In light of this--African-Americans saw themselves as truly freed people. Thus, in mass they left their prisons of plantation and servant life to test their new found freedom. But, what did early freedom mean to many of the newly freed former slaves? Simply, it meant family reunions.

By the thousands African-Americans traveled the South and the North looking for spouses, children and other kin that where separated by rules of the slave institution that defined them as property who could be sold and transported without any consciousness of human value and respect. When former slaves found relatives they celebrated, rejoiced and spiritually communed in a defined manner that illustrated a rebirth of the family and community.

Today, between the months of May and August African-Americas celebrate a true cultural experience that commemorates the end of slavery, the reconnection of family, and the rebirth and new birth of African and African-American traditional roots.

A few days ago I had the pleasure of witnessing my first family reunion. The experience was offered by a friend who's family (The David-Williams clan) spreads primarily through the states of Florida, Georgia and sprinkles in selected areas of Washington, D.C., New Jersey and New York.

In a three day span the family ate, danced and told stories about relatives, those who have died and others who are alive, in a festive manner that reinforced the special bond that they had. What I saw, was not just a gathering; but, a commitment to keep the bloodline and traditions alive.

The tradition was not just an African-American affair; but one that is alive and well in Africa and the African diaspora. For instance, in my travels I saw similar type of activities in North and West Africa, England and France, the Caribbean and Central America, and South America.

The greatest element of what I saw and experienced was the reinforcement of the positive. That is, the love of God, family and nation and quest to achieve personal and spiritual success. Plus, it was a delightful and special respect for the family and the leaders that it had produced. I am happy and glad for the continued growth of African-American Family Reunions. Therefore, do not be surprised if I show up at your Reunion. Don't ask--who I am? Just pass the potato salad and call me cuz.