CINCINNATI — It’s the last celebration of its kind in the country, and it’s going to be happening right here in Ohio. Organizers are preparing for the 35th Black Family Reunion in Cincinnati.

What You Need To Know

  • The 35th annual Black Family Reunion in Cincinnati is the last of its kind 

  • Over the course of four days, organizers are planning everything from a job fair and health fair to gospel concerts, college tours and a parade 

  • The Black Family Reunion will be going on Aug. 17 through the Aug. 20

Right now, it is just a park, but Tracey Artis sees so much more.

“I’m looking at the three tunnels here to my left, and each of the tunnels will just be filled with the health pavilion, our spirituality pavilion. So you're hearing music, you'll see vendors in this area and this park comes alive,” said Artis. 

Later this month, Sawyer Point Park in Cincinnati will turn into the 35th Black Family Reunion and she’s organizing it.

“You're hearing music, you'll see vendors in this area and this park just comes alive,” said Artis. 

She’s been planning the event every year for more than a decade. He has been keeping it going even after 25 other Black Family Reunion events across the country came to an end.

“I’ve been able to keep it going because we had a succession plan. Crime has not plagued our event and when I became the director, I already had a list of sponsors,” said Artis. 

It's now the only Black Family Reunion event still going and keeps thousands coming back with everything from concerts and a parade to college tours and a job fair. It's a reminder of the reason it all started back in 1989.

“The Black Family Reunion was created and envisioned and executed by Dr. Dorothy Height in Washington, D.C. Dr. Height heard a journalist say in Washington, D.C., while watching tv one night that the ‘Black family was becoming extinct.’ She thought it important that he understood that we're not becoming extinct but our family unit may look different than his,” said Artis. 

That’s why she says each year she and her team add more layers to the event. Each one is designed to strengthen families — families that are much like her own. 

“My nonprofit agency is named after my children because I'll always have a succession plan for this and they are it," said Artis.

She hopes they carry on the legacy for another 35 years to come.

“At the end of the weekend, we'll have more knowledge. We'll have more options at the end of the weekend. We'll feel stronger and empowered. The theme this year is proud and powerful, because we are,” said Artis.

The Black Family Reunion will run from Aug. 17 through Aug. 20.

Related Stories