This past weekend Community Empowerment Association’s Black Family Reunion unified Black Pittsburgh for the fifth year in a row. With two days of activities, vendors, workshops, panel discussions, and musical performances, the fifth annual Black Family Reunion proved to be fun, engaging and enriching for the entire community.
Friday provided a precursor to the weekend’s events with a panel discussion hosted at the Community Empowerment Cultural Center. Friday’s panel discussion, entitled “Hip-Hop, the Black Family, and Community Survival,” was hosted by CEA’s Majestic Lane and included a tour of the Community Empowerment studio facility.
The discussion was intended to be the first in a series of interactive community discussions that would help develop a model for hip-hop music that would enrich the community and influence developing artists. The discussion was well attended by community activists, popular local artists, professional artists, up-and- coming artists and concerned citizens who are fans of hip-hop/rap music. 
COMMUNITY UNITY—Shown are some of the many people who gathered at the Black Family Reunion last weekend to enjoy the activities provided for young and old during the three-day affair.
“It was a good start for creating healthy outlets for youth and encouraging community stakeholders to take ownership of these outlets,” Lane said. “We want people that were there and a part of the conversation to remain a part of the process.”
“All artists should participate in dialogue like that,” said artist Jacquay Hosey. “I learned a lot from the discussion and got a chance to voice my opinion and see what people thought of my views. I got to learn more about the industry and how to really go about things. I learned I make the most money selling my CDs myself...basically, it really opened my mind up about the music industry.”
Saturday kicked off with the “Peace in the ’Hood” basketball tournament aimed at bringing teams from all communities together to enjoy friendly competition in a safe environment. Winners were awarded trophies, shoes and gift packages from sponsors.
“There were no arguments, no fights and nobody even raised their voice,” event coordinator and outreach specialist Lee Davis said. “We had teams from all over Allegheny County and a lot of organizations sponsored teams as well.”
Understanding that young Black men need to develop more conflict resolution skills, event coordinators made sure that players were introduced to one another and players were trained on the rules of engagement to encourage conflict-free competition on and off the court.
“We did a training of rules engagement on the court and in the neighborhood. If you follow these rules, everything (will) be alright. Be respectful to one another; if you bump into someone, the ref is there to call a foul...if something is unintentional then step back and think about it and move on....think before you act on and off the court.”
Saturday was also packed with exciting performances from local artists mostly geared to the hip-hop and younger generation. The performances began with energetic neighborhood favorites including rapper Lady Cash and R&B singer Hakeem.
The performances concluded with Pittsburgh’s rising rap star S. Money performing his local hit, “I’m Da Man” as youths of all ages sang along and chimed in on chorus, proving that it was indeed Pittsburgh’s summer hit. Musical interludes were provided by DJ Phinesse, along with speakers addressing the crowd beginning with CEA Executive Director and CEO Rashad Byrdsong.
“The event has grown astronomically over the past two years,” Byrdsong said. “Last year’s event was on pace to draw over 7,000 people before being cut short by Sunday’s rainstorm. Saturday’s attendance, alone, nearly doubled the attendance from the previous two-day festivals. This growth is an indication that the event has developed into a landmark community event that is anticipated throughout the year. The event has proven to be a true family event, where people of all ages from all over the Pittsburgh and surrounding communities can unite and celebrate the gifts and talents that the Black Community has to offer.Realizing the event’s scope and impact, many organizations and businesses have contributed and sponsored the festival including the University of Pittsburgh and PNC Bank. CEA seeks to build, foster and empower individuals through jobs, education, housing, economic development and family support services. We strive to heavily incorporate these five aspects into the two-day event.”
Sunday proved to be just as engaging as it was packed with vendors, presentations, and performances to compliment Saturday’s excitement and proved to be the perfect cool down to end the weekend. The basketball tournament continued with the “Peace in the ’Hood” slam dunk contest. There was also a Black history version of “Family Feud.”
Sunday’s soundtrack was led by singer/songwriter and “artist to watch for,” Joy Ike. Her refreshing melodies and charmingly sweet voice paired well with the gentle breeze on the mild afternoon.
Beltzhoover rapper Christian graced the crowd with his raw hip-hop songs of repentance and redemption describing his path from the street life to being a dedicated Christian.
“I want to continue to talk to these kids,” Christian said. “Everything changed for me when I started reading the Bible. I wanna work with any of these organizations that are actually doing something, ’cause there’s a lot of talking goin’ on.”
In between performances DJ Nick Nice played all the hip-hop and soul classics that were reminiscent of a true Black family reunion. Vendors offered everything from clothes and jewelry to vegan soul food while the DeZoul Meet Orchestra wrapped up the evening with the soothing sounds of R&B crooners Artistree and the instrumental grooves of Rodney McCoy.