Cumberland/Gloucester/Salem Vicinage celebrates Black History Month
Vicinage to Celebrate Black History Month with Family Reunion Program
The Cumberland/Gloucester/Salem Vicinage will celebrate Black History Month with a virtual program entitled The Black Family Reunion on Tuesday, February 23, from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. The program will focus on the special historical and social importance of family reunions in black communities, and the unique challenges Black families may encounter in genealogical research. Information and advice about how to start and sustain a family reunion tradition, both virtually and in-person, will also be provided. As we look forward to reconnecting with family and friends, this program will provide expert advice on the history and future of family reunions. The program is free and open to the public, but registration is required so that the program link can be provided: https://njcourts.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_jgvlcYVMQSOvvy_J5dEMtg.
The Vicinage is also asking community members to contribute to a photo collage of family reunion memorabilia to be virtually displayed during the program. Digital photographs and brief descriptions of items such as family reunion t shirts, cookbooks, photographs, quilts, program and directories are requested. This collage is intended to demonstrate the range and creativity of local families, and to inspire ideas for future reunions. Please send you photographs to the following by February 19: V15Outreach.mailbox@njcourts.gov. Submission of a photograph will be considered a consent and release for display during the program.
Family Reunion Institute representatives Suzanne Vargus Holloman and Reverend Douglas Harris will speak on the significance of family reunions in Black communities, how to create and maintain family reunion traditions and future family reunion trends. The Family Reunion Institute was founded at Temple University by Dr. Ione Dugger Vargus, Professor Emerita, former Dean of the School of Social Administration, and author of Black Family Reunions, Finding the Rest of Me. The Institute is now an independent organization dedicated to documenting and encouraging the preservation of families and family history through the family reunion tradition. It also provides consulting services to organizations and families. “Family Reunions are a powerful, time-honored tradition that have contributed to the survival, endurance and progress of African American families. These celebratory events have helped to maintain family cohesiveness while preserving family history and culture. Our goal at the Family Reunion Institute is to strengthen, inspire and support family reunion planning; share useful information and resources; and advocate for the teaching of family and reunion history, values and experiences,” stated Ms. Holloman, Co-Director of the Institute. These resources are provided through the Institute website, which is free and open to the public: www.familyreunioninstitute.net.
Professional Genealogist Shamele Jordon will join the panel to discuss genealogical research, resources and the unique challenges of researching Black family histories. Ms. Jordon is the founder of Genealogy Quick Start and an award winning television producer of and researcher for genealogy related television programs. She is also a faculty and board member of the Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research at the University of Georgia, Athens. More information about Ms. Jordon is available through http://geanealogyquickstart.com.
Also joining the panel will be Ms. Winifred Still Davis, a member of the prominent Still family, which celebrated its 150th consecutive family reunion in 2019. More than 500 family members attended. The annual Still family reunions are generally held in the family seat of Lawnside, New Jersey, and were featured in the July 1984 issue of National Geographic Magazine. In order to support events of this scale, the Still Family Historical Committee, Inc. was developed as a non-profit organization. The Committee plans the reunions and maintains and verifies family history and membership. Ms. Still Davis is a professional vocalist and former Rowan University instructor and administrator. She has appeared in Stand by the River, a play recounting the story of the Still family and the Underground Railroad.
The Vicinage is happy to work with educators who would like to incorporate this program into their curriculum.
For more information, or to request an interpreter, please contact the EEO/AA Office at V15Outreach.mailbox@njcourts.gov.