**********

8-5-94 - 8-7-94- Sponsored by the Buffalo Chapter at the
Ramada Inn - Airport in Buffalo, New York

  • Inspirational Sunday morning message delivered by a young
    minister, Rev. Ronald Jennings. Record of parents, other relatives,
    family history & other pertinent facts displayed.
  • Many antique items on display from the Old Home House in Georgia
    and from other places.
  • Map of Africa divided so family members could record roots.

**********

1995 - Atlanta, Georgia


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1996 - Charlotte, North Carolina

  • Many believed that whatever has been, always will be.  That's not
    necessarily so.  Unexpectedly, no one stood up to accept the
    reunion in Cleveland for the next year.  It was assumed, but not to
    be.
  • There was a long and worried silence as people probably wondered
    would the hard work of the North Carolina Chapter have created the
    last in a legacy of glorious celebrations.
  • The thought was especially troublesome, because the North
    Carolina's unique challenges of great distances between members
    had been overcome by the strong commitment of individuals from
    Newton, Lincolnton, Hickory, Conover, Charlotte and probably
    places whose names I've forgotten.
  • But then emerged a light at the end of what seemed to be a dark
    tunnel.  Because of a deep commitment to continue what had
    become a yearly tradition, Annie Tinsley accepted the challenge for
    1997.

**********

1997 - Sponsored by the newly formed Texas Chapter in
Dallas, Texas. Reunion committee of one person (Annie
Tinsley) received assistance from several friends to put on a
reunion that many said couldn't be done.

  • Despite the distance from the majority of the family, this reunion
    drew over 100 people. So much for the critics!
  • It was the 1st Reunion in Texas and 1st Reunion West of the
    Mississippi River.
  • Many AGAIN believed that whatever has been, always will be. That
    is still not necessarily so. Unexpectedly, for the second year in a
    row, no one stood up to accept the reunion in Cleveland for the next
    year.
  • Because of a deep commitment to continue what had become a
    yearly tradition, Jean Louise Ford accepted the challenge for 1998.

**********

8-6-98 - 8-9-98 - San Diego, California - Sponsored by the newly
formed California Chapter consisting of one (Jean Ford), and
aided by assistance from several determined but tired friends. It
was the: 1st Reunion in California

  • It was another reunion that many said couldn't be done. - It's too far!
  • Other comments heard from the Naysayers included "No one is
    going to drag their family onto a plane and fly way out there," - "Not
    everyone can afford to go to California," - etc.  Oddly enough if the
    people who complained had agreed to give the next reunion, we
    would never have ended up in California!  DUH!
  • Despite the distance from the majority of the family, this reunion
    drew a larger number of people than the fine reunions in Texas
    (1997) or Detroit (1999). So much for the critics again! This
    probably sounds familiar!

Events:
  • Thursday, August 6th - Registration & Welcome Reception
  • Friday, August 7th - Trolley Tour of the City with stops for Harbor
    Excursion and Lunch and leisure on Coronado Island
  • Saturday, August 8th - Free Time to explore and enjoy San Diego
    and/or Mexicoduring the day and the Silver Anniversary Celebration
    Ball later that evening
  • Sunday, August 9th - Farewell Breakfast

Other Highlights:
  • Program booklet featured reunion history, names of people
    expected to attend, scholarship history, an In Memoriam section, the
    Negro National Anthem, menu, etc.

**********

August 12 - 15, 1999 - Sponsored by the Detroit Chapter

Location - Doubletree Guest Suites Hotel in Southfield, Michigan

Theme - "Looking Forward to The New Millennium...Remembering the
70's"

Calendar of Events
    8-12
    Check in/Registration
    Get Acquainted Reception
    Auction
    8-13
    70's Dinner Dance
    8-14
    Picnic
    8-15
    Farewell Breakfast

  • Someone from Cleveland FINALLY stood up to accept the reunion
    for the next year.
  • Carrie Stewart took the initiative to pump life into a reluctant and
    somewhat changed Cleveland Chapter.
  • Looking forward to Cleveland in Year 2000!

**********

2000 - Cleveland, Ohio - Sponsored by the Ford-Bryson
Chapter

Dinner Dance Program
  • Welcome
  • Prayer
  • Moment of Silence
  • Dinner
  • Weekend Agenda Recap
  • Introduction of Cleveland Committee
  • Family Histories
  • State Representations & Presentations
  • Oral History Sharing
  • Synnia Solomon Scholarship Presentation
  • Table Presentations
  • Grand March & Senior Salute
  • Passing of The Scroll
  • Closing Remarks
  • Party with Spoony T

**********

8-3-2001 through 8-5-2001 - Hickory, North Carolina -
Sponsored by the North Carolina Chapter - Reunion took
place at the Holiday Inn Select on Lenoir-Rhyne Blvd.

Theme - "Celebrating Our Family and Our Faith"

Dinner Dance Program
  • Welcome
  • Motivational Presentation
  • Prayer
  • Remembering our Elders
  • Introduction of Keynote Speaker
  • Keynote Address
  • Silent Moment
  • Tribute
  • Recognition of States
  • Final Remarks
  • Lord's Prayer
  • Dance the Night Away!

**********

2002 - Roanoke, Virginia - Sponsored by the Buffalo Chapter

Theme - "The Tree of Life Lives On"

Dinner Dance Program
  • Welcome Address
  • Introduction of Host & Hostess
  • Prayer
  • Tribute to Deceased Loved Ones
  • Introduction of Guest Speaker
  • Keynote Address
  • Dinner
  • Recognition of 2002 Graduates, Eldest Family Member Present,
    Youngest Family Member Present, Largest Family Present, Most
    Miles Traveled
  • Recognition of States
  • Invitation to Host 2003 Reunion
  • Open Remarks
  • Words of Appreciation
  • Dancing the Night Away

**********

2003 - Atlanta, Georgia

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