The Alexandria Library will host its third annual Black Family Reunion on Saturday, Sept. 6, at the Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library in Old Town, continuing an award-winning event designed to preserve African American history in the city.
The free event, running from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 717 Queen Street, encourages African American families to bring documents and images to be scanned and added to the library’s Local History/Special Collections archive.
“This event has truly struck a chord,” said Library Director Rose Dawson. “We knew it was our responsibility to ensure our Local History archives told Alexandria’s whole story, but we’ve been blown away by the energy, support, and enthusiasm this community has shown for the Black Family Reunion from the start.”
This year’s reunion will feature food from Rocklands Barbecue, Flavor Hive and District Small Bites, plus sweet treats from Goodies Frozen Custard & Treats and Hace Frio. Entertainment includes music from local DJ Regy Reg, line dance lessons, free T-shirts, giveaways and professional headshots. Attendees can also donate stories or memories to the archive by recording mini oral history videos.
The library has partnered with two honorary co-chairs for this year’s event: Freida Bell Brockington and Lawrence “Lucky” Elliott, who bring deep community ties and historical knowledge to the reunion.
“Especially now, it is so important that our Alexandria community — particularly our young people — have a positive and accurate memory of our city’s history,” Brockington said. “The Alexandria African American community has played a dynamic and influential role on a portion of both our city’s history and in the civil rights movement.”
The event begins at 11 a.m. with a performance by the Samuel W. Tucker Elementary School choir honoring the 1939 Library Sit-In, followed by a proclamation delivered by Alexandria Mayor Alyia Gaskins.
While donating to the archives is encouraged, it’s not required for attendance. All participants can enjoy the music, games and food. Archive contributions can be made on the day of the reunion or by scheduling an appointment with Local History/Special Collections staff at 703-746-1706 or [email protected]. Online donations of digitized materials can be made at any time.
Early donations of photos and documents are being accepted online through the library’s donation form. The form can also be used to pre-register for in-person donations on the day of the reunion.
For more information about the event, visit alexlibraryva.org/black-family-reunion.
