‘These are trying times, and we must know our history’

Contributed byCincinnati NAACPThe following comes from a speech that Cincinnati NAACP President Joe Mallory delivered at the 2023 Black Family Reunion Breakfast at Fountain Square in downtown Cincinnati in August 2023. With the Cincinnati NAACP Freedom Fund Dinner being held October 6 at Sharonville Convention Center, Mallory’s words are still relative today. His speech follows:Family reunions are celebratory events where  family history is reflected on, traditions are taught, and bonds are strengthened through many shared memories … and it is important that they continue.When Dr. Dorothy Height began this celebration about 35 years ago, she established it after she saw a television documentary titled “The vanishing Black family.”She refused to let that be the narrative or let someone else tell our story.She came up with the concept of a Black family reunion to combat the negative stereotypes about the Black family. And those are some of the same stereotypes that we hear and fight against today.We must value what we have here … because Cincinnati is the last Black Family Reunion standing. You don’t get longevity without vision … strong leadership … time … energy … resources … people … partnerships … and God’s favor.As we celebrate our pride and...