HISTORY MAKERS
African-American Cultural & Genealogical Society Of Illinois, Inc. Museum
The family reunions date back to the Emancipation, when formerly enslaved people sought out the family they were separated from while enslaved. This tradition would become something that would be a continuous celebration of kinship and resilience that Black families endured. Although the reunion of the family was once steeped in struggle and pain, Black people use their resilience to celebrate family.
Black family reunions are a time for people to connect over shared history and memories, reinforcing family structure and heritage.
Historical Context: These events serve as important rituals in African American families, heavily enmeshed in centuries of American slavery.
Significance: They help mend the fragmentation and displacement caused by American chattel slavery and the Great Migration.
Cultural Significance: Black family reunions are more than just annual gatherings; they are a profound expression of unity, heritage, and resilience within African American communities.
Modern Practices: Many include a visit to the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC), where families gather to reinforce their connection to the broader narrative of African American history.
LEGACY OF THE FAMILY REUNION
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