Expect some changes to this year’s Black Family Reunion in Cincinnati.
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the event has been adjusted to adapt to safety guidelines and now includes a combination of virtual and tangible events for a hybrid celebration of the strengths and values of the Black family.
The festival will celebrate its 32nd anniversary in 2020, with this year’s event is scheduled to take place Aug. 13-16. This theme is "Faithful and Fearless."
“The Black Family Reunion exists to uplift and celebrate the Black community and family structure. With our community experiencing devastating results of COVID-19 and continuous injustices at the hands of police and a broken system, it’s important for us to have this event this year,” said Tracey Artis, event producer, in a release. “We want to shine a light on how faithful and fearless we are as a people and bring some joy and positivity to those who might need it.”
In-person activities kick off Saturday, Aug. 15 with a community support event at Sawyer Point (705 E. Pete Rose Way, Downtown) from noon-6 p.m. The event includes COVID-19 testing, voter registration, a school supply giveaway, food box giveaways and a food truck rally.
Other scheduled days feature virtual speakers, concerts and worship services.
Here's the full schedule of events. Register for online/virtual events at myblackfamilyreunion.org:
- 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 13 // Online: A free virtual speaker series featuring Rev. Dr. Jamal Bryant begins at 7 p.m.
- 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 14 // Online: Dr. O'dell Owens, President and CEO of Interact for Health, will be hosting a free, virtual Heritage Breakfast.
- 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14 // Online: Karew Entertainmaint and Kierra Sheard will be performing a free Gospel concert online.
- Noon-6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15 // In-Person: The free event at Sawyer Point includes COVID-19 testing, voter registration, school supply giveaways, food box giveaways and a food truck rally. All are expected to follow COVID-19 safety protocols.
- 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15 // Online: Kenny Lattimore will be performing a free concert.
- 11 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 16 // Online: Pastor John Gray will be the keynote for a Sunday worship online.
Dr. Dorothy Height, president of the National Council of Negro Women, founded the Black Family Reunion in 1989. This year's Black Family Reunion Family of the Year are Jesse and Iris Roley and their family.
For more information, visit myblackfamilyreunion.org.
