Family Reunion

Family Reunion 501(c)(3) Creating Unions and Reunions

Shout out to Simone Biles—gymnast extraordinaire. You’ve etched your name into the annals of both sporting history and t...
02/29/2024

Shout out to Simone Biles—gymnast extraordinaire.

You’ve etched your name into the annals of both sporting history and the broader narrative of Black excellence. With a remarkable four gold medals in the Olympics and a total of 19 Olympic and World Championship medals, you’ve not only dominated the gymnastics arena but have also played an indispensable role in diversifying a historically less inclusive sport. Your excellence is evident in the innovative routines that have shattered preconceived notions of what is achievable in gymnastics, challenging stereotypes and breaking down barriers for Black athletes.

Beyond your athletic prowess, you’ve emerged as a powerful advocate for mental health, courageously sharing your personal struggles and prioritizing the well-being of athletes. By opening up this dialogue, you’ve contributed significantly to reducing the stigma around mental health issues and highlighting the importance of emotional resilience in the world of sports.

🥇🥇🥇🥇




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Shout out to Aaren Rudolph, aka Black Aquaman. On the afternoon of August 5, 2023, Harriott II co-captain Damien Pickett...
02/28/2024

Shout out to Aaren Rudolph, aka Black Aquaman.

On the afternoon of August 5, 2023, Harriott II co-captain Damien Pickett was simply doing his job. He requested that the owners of a pontoon boat relocate their vessel so the riverboat could dock; and that’s when he was violently attacked by the owners.

Without hesitation, and with the audacity of hope, you leapt into the water and headed to shore to provide Mr. Pickett with an assist. You quickly comprehended that an injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere; and along the way, you dispelled rumors that black folks, as a monolith, can’t swim. Just as Fred Hampton lived for the people, you swam to your people.

With masterful high elbow technique, a steady flutter, and horizontal body position to reduce drag and increase your speed, you demonstrated remarkable courage and selflessness. By any means necessary, you fearlessly navigated the waters to reach the shore and stand with Mr. Pickett and others to present a united front. With every stroke, Martin Luther King, Jr.’s eyes saw the glory!

Your actions not only defended your people physically but also underscored a strong sense of loyalty and camaraderie. Your willingness to go to great lengths to protect and support those around you fostered a sense of unity and respect in and outside of the Black community. You showed up to clean house… like a Black Avenger.

Aaren, thank you for continuing to give back by sharing your love of the water in partnership with The Y. With the launch of your Black Aquaman Swim Camp in your hometown of Montgomery, Alabama, you will be able to provide hands-on instruction for those from marginalized communities who desire to swim.

To Mrs. O'Gennia Rudolph: As a mother, your nurturing and influence has undeniably shaped Aaren into a person of great integrity and resolve. We salute you, incredible mother!




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Shout out to Aretha Franklin—singer, songwriter, and pianist; and the first woman inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of ...
02/27/2024

Shout out to Aretha Franklin—singer, songwriter, and pianist; and the first woman inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Your soul-stirring melodies provided a poignant soundtrack to the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s, offering a resonant voice for the pursuit for social justice. Breaking barriers, you emerged as one of the first Black women to attain commercial success in the pop music industry, thereby paving the way for subsequent generations of Black artists.

You experienced moments to gain experience for the moment that arrived in 1967 when you covered the "King of Soul,” Otis Redding’s hit, RESPECT. You let the good vibes flow and the good times roll as this became your signature song.

Crowned as the "Queen of Soul," you garnered a plethora of accolades, including 18 Grammy Awards, the Presidential Medal of Freedoom, and the youngest recipient ever of the The Kennedy Center Honors. Even after your passing, your musical oeuvre continues to reverberate, solidifying your status as one of the most significant figures in Black history and American music history alike.




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Shout out to James "J.T." Taylor—lead singer of Kool & the Gang. As a product of the Black Ancestry of Laurens County, S...
02/24/2024

Shout out to James "J.T." Taylor—lead singer of Kool & the Gang.

As a product of the Black Ancestry of Laurens County, South Carolina, your soulful and dynamic vocals were instrumental in shaping Kool & the Gang’s signature sound, propelling hits like "Celebration," "Get Down On It," and "Ladies’ Night" to the summits of R&B and pop charts.

Beyond the confines of genre, you and the band seamlessly blended funk, soul, and pop, transcending musical boundaries. This cross-genre appeal not only resonated within the Black community but also garnered widespread mainstream success, solidifying Kool & the Gang as one of the most successful and enduring musical acts of your era.

Your success highlighted the rich talent and diversity within Black music, contributing to a broader cultural narrative. Furthermore, your influence extends into the contemporary music landscape, as your distinctive vocal style and the band's musical innovations continue to inspire and shape the work of artists across various genres, cementing your legacy within the ever-evolving tapestry of Black culture.




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