The Black Family Reunion, a concept started nationally decades ago to celebrate the strengths and values of African-American families, lives on in Cincinnati - its only location now. During a news conference Tuesday, CEO Tracey Artis announced the theme for the August 17-19 event as "A People of Purpose."
Singer-songwriter Jeffrey Osborne will peform at Sawyer Point on the second day of the reunion.
Artis says one of the reasons the free event lives on is because it is meaningful to many.
"I met a family last year that the mother wanted to thank me because she was able to get five book bags for her children," Artis said. "That was because of the YMCA and other generous sponsors who made sure we were able to give away 1,000 book bags."
New this year is a sports pavillion at Sawyer Point where there will be boxing and basketball. Sawyer Point is also the site of for health screenings. There will be a job fair at the Sharonville Convention Center and a parade in Avondale.
Here is the schedule of events for the 30th Annual Midwest Regional Black Family Reunion:
Friday August 17th:
Opening Ceremony & Heritage Breakfast
Keynote Speaker: Dr. Elliott Cufff, Sr. Pastor of Lincoln Heights Baptist Church
Word of Deliverance Church, 693 Fresno Road, Forest Park
9-10:30 a.m. (doors open at 8:30)
Community Job Fair
Sharonville Convention Center, 1355 Chester Road
11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Punching of Peace
"Put down the guns, pick up the gloves," where professional boxers spar with local youth
Sawyer Point, 705 E. Pete Rose Way
6-10 p.m.
Saturday, August 18th
Headline Performer: Jeffrey Osborne (expected to perform between 6 and 7 p.m.)
Sawyer Point
Noon-8 p.m.
Black Family Reunion Parade
Departing from the Avondale Town Center, 3529 Reading Road
10-11:30 a.m.
Sunday, August 19th
Headline Performer: Marvin Sapp (expected to perform between 6 and 7 p.m.)
Sawyer Point
Noon-8 p.m.
