WHEN I THINK OF entertaining, one of the first things that comes to mind is family. Anytime we come together as family we "bind ourselves again to one another," in the words of writer and poet Maya Angelou. We are reminded, once again, that we are all brothers and sisters.
During a family reunion, this bond is multiplied many times over, as relatives from near and far come together to renew the ties that bind us. Family reunions have always been a way of life for African Americans. In centuries past, when we struggled to keep our families together, we longed for this bond and sought to create it whenever and wherever we could.
When we are united as one, we:
honor ourselves and our ancestors
provide an anchor for the whole family
offer time for reflection
revel in a sense of belonging
share our love for one another
Organizing a family reunion can be a journey of discovery. Here's my map for planning a memorable event.
1. Organize a committee of family members whose skills you will need. Maybe cousin Jenny is good at keeping in touch with everyone; she might be the perfect communications person for your reunion. Perhaps Uncle Harold is a whiz at research; his skills could be put to use on creating a family tree. If Aunt Maude is great with kids, she may be an ideal kids' activities director.
2. In piecing together your family history, don't overlook the history at each relative's fingertips, such as photos, important documents, and treasured recipes.
3. Oral history also is a big part of our culture. Set aside some time for storytelling; it's a great way to learn more about your extended family.
4. And, just as it's important to keep the kids entertained, set aside time to honor family elders. They have come a long way and you stand firmly upon their shoulders.
Family Reunions