The Black Family Reunion is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year.
Founded in 1989 by Dr. Dorothy I. Height, president emerita of the National Council of Negro Women, the fest focuses on bringing together communities, performers, small businesses, health organizations and more to celebrate the values and strengths of the black family.
This year’s fest kicks off on Friday morning with a heritage breakfast and opening ceremony at 8:30 a.m. at The Word of Deliverance Ministries for the World in Forest Park.
On Saturday, the annual Black Family Reunion Parade steps off from the Avondale Town Center at 10 a.m., followed by a big festival at Sawyer Point. The fest will feature activities for everyone, including children and seniors, plus live Jazz, bingo, a basketball tournament, food vendors and more.
The party continues on Sunday with a church service at 10 a.m. on the park’s lawn, followed by more activities, including headliner Marvin Sapp, a Grammy-nominated Gospel singer, songwriter and pastor. Find a full list of vendors and associated events online.
8:30 a.m. Friday (Aug. 17); noon-8 p.m. Saturday (Aug. 18); 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday (Aug. 19). Free admission. Sawyer Point, 705 E. Pete Rose Way, Downtown, myblackfamilyreunion.org.
This article appears in Aug 8-15, 2018.