The BLK Family Reunion Festival partnership with Harris-Stowe State University raised $61,000 for the HBCU scholarship fund. The free event, which celebrates Black culture and community, was held on the university’s campus on Saturday, June 15. The free event featured locally-owned, black-owned vendors, food trucks, a youth zone, and live music all day.
This family reunion on Compton Avenue was highlighted by kids playing and running around eating snow cones, jumping in bounce houses, and getting their faces painted.
The sounds of live music ruled the day, featuring performances by Dirty Muggs, Midwest DJs, a tribute to Kool & The Gang by Terry Colman, Smokin Lions with a tribute to Bob Marley, and Grammy-winning artist Murphy Lee. Sponsorships from St. Louis University, Believe Circle City High School, St. Louis Voices Academy of Media Arts, Momentum Academy, ACTIVATE STL, and Gamer’s Island, all helped make this event possible. Cornell Boone, CEO and founder of the festival, also partnered with Wells Fargo, Ameren UE, and Uncle Nearest Whiskey.
Boone said his inspiration came when he went to his wife’s family reunion. He remembers the joy they had celebrating their heritage and history, and this motivated him to organize a reunion for his own family. He began planning his family reunion and it dawned on him that he should extend beyond his circle. Boone recognized the need for St. Louis to have a platform for celebrating the city and Black culture.
“I look forward to seeing this festival become an annual tradition, where people can come together to embrace our culture and create lasting memories,” Boone said.
Coordinator of the event b. Marcell Williams said, “The festival’s formula is to provide the perfect blend of family, community, and support for local Black businesses.”
This included adding vendors and a space for kid entrepreneurs to become vendors and gain real-time experience running their businesses while working at the festival.
Scheduling the event around Juneteenth was intentional. Boone said he wants St. Louis to have a space that honors a moment in Black history while celebrating the strength and unity of the Black people and the amazing traditions that make up our community.
“Being surrounded by loved ones, Black-owned businesses, good food, music, and more, we aim to grow and constantly celebrate these traditions, ensuring that our heritage is cherished and our legacy is celebrated with pride,” he said.
The BLK Family Reunion Festival is poised to become a prominent cultural event in the Midwest, drawing residents from Kansas City, Chicago, Memphis, and nearby cities.
“My goal is to make the BLK Family Reunion Festival a must-attend event that our neighboring cities want to attend,” Boone said. “We can be one of the top tourist cities, and events like this are just one of the ways people can experience our culture.”
Partnering with Harris-Stowe State University was important because Boone aims to support non-traditional students, often called stop-outs. The community’s support has attracted sponsors, enabling Boone to raise over $60,000 this year for our #HBCUProud scholarship foundation.
Ashley Winters is a Report for America reporter for the St. Louis American.
