This year’s Black Family Reunion, held in August, featured three days of cultural activities–a basketball tournament, Town Hall Meeting, Block Party, and an all out celebration with vendor booths, food and live music! CEA collected donations for school supplies at each event; each person who attended was asked to bring a few items for school kids to help a child in the community. The weekend-long activies were:
Friday, Aug. 12
A kick off of the Black Family Reunion included a Youth Summit and Peace in the Hood Basketball Tournament.
Youth Summmit – A youth discussion on Race, Power and Community was held, folllowed by workshops and panel discussions.
The Peace in the Hood Basketball Tournament—AYMCA Basketball Showcase & Celebrity Game wasxFull Court, Full Press. It was sponsored by Coach Anwar, Julie William and Marcus Robinson.
Saturday, Aug. 13
Town Hall—A community town hall meeting was held to discuss race, power, politics and community. The unfilitered Conversation topics were Redefining Black Leadership, The Rehabilitation of Black Leadership, Organizations, Framework for Collaborative Leadership, Community Economic Development and Building Black Wealth, Warrior Conflict: Code of the Streets, & Criminal and Educational Reform.
A multi-Neighborhood Block Party, which included Art, Food, Activities and Entertainment, followed the morning’s events. Live music was provieded by Kenny Blake, Brian Woods, Imani, The Edge featuring Gemini, Friendz of Funk, and other musical guests celebrated Family and Community!
Sunday, Aug. 14
Black Family Reunion—The Big Bash—took place at Schenley Park. A day of more live music, children’s activities, vendors, plenty of food, and fun.
With the mission to build healthy families and communities by way of activation, education and mobilization, CEA—over the last decade—has tirelessly served thousands of disadvantaged and minority families throughout the Greater Pittsburgh area.
Since 2003, CEA has been hosting the Black Family Reunion as an opportunity for Allegheny County residents to come together for two days to celebrate the Black Family. It has been extremely well attended over the years and there have been no incidents of violence reported. Thousands of people from many communities throughout Allegheny County come together, without incidence, to enjoy two days of recreation, entertainment, relaxation, education and networking. It serves as a testimony to the fact that African Americans from many different walks of life can come together and enjoy each other without violence.
In a statement, CEA said, “Aiming to build, foster, and empower individuals through jobs, education, housing, economic development, and family support services, we strive to heavily incorporate these five aspects into the two-day event.”
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