AREA BLACK FAMILY REUNION WILL BE HELD HERE IN AUGUST

A black family reunion is being planned for Cape Girardeau later this summer, which organizers say could draw between 5,000 and 7,000 participants.

Linda Minner, marketing and special projects director of the Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce, announced at a press conference Wednesday the chamber will serve as host of the three-day event.

Promoted as the River Heritage Regional Black Family Reunion Celebration, the event will be held Aug. 12-14.

All events, except for an Aug. 13 concert, will be held in Arena Park and the A.C. Brase Arena Building. The evening concert, featuring "Commissioned," one of the hottest gospel groups in the country, will be held at the Show Me Center.

"This three-day reunion is intended to enhance the historical strengths and traditional values of the Black Family and its community," said Minner. "The theme for the event, `Fighting For The Family' will serve as the basis for the entertainment, theme workshops, and service information."

A town meeting is planned for 5 p.m. today at the Arena Building to provide more information about the event and to solicit input.

Paul Garland, an employee of Procter and Gamble which is serving as the major sponsor of the reunion, pointed out that participants will come from all over Southeast Missouri, Southern Illinois, and Western Kentucky. Groups also are expected to attend from the St. Louis area.

Garland, co-chairman of the reunion, explained that organizing the event "has served as a catalyst for government agencies, public sector institutions, corporations, businesses, community-based organizations, and families of all types to work in partnership toward self-help solutions to issues affecting African American families, our communities, and businesses.

"The event emphasizes family unity and provides a forum to tie together the family, community, and race that will help to resolve some of the current issues facing the black community."

Garland added that the gathering will include organized sporting events, vendor booths, a Black Expo, ongoing entertainment, picnics, and the theme workshops.

Carol Keeler, of KZIM Radio and a Chamber board member, said workshops will focus on topics such as: black entrepreneurship; employability; drug response; teen parenting; health care prevention; and financial planning.

Keeler, who is co-chair with Garland, said the event helps recognize the need to emphasize the strengths of the black family and to establish a network for a viable black business community.

"The concept we are introducing is similar to that used by the National Council of Negro Women of a regional black family reunion," said Keeler.

Sonny Metcalf of St. Louis, who is lining up most of the entertainment, said this reunion is patterned after one in Memphis. He noted that similar events have been held around the country, but mostly in larger cities.

"We think having something like this in a smaller town like Cape Girardeau is probably a first, and if not, it is definitely unique," said Metcalf. "We're very excited about this and I'm excited about being a part of it.

Calvin Bird, who is chairman of the board for the reunion and director of the Cape Girardeau Civic Center, said he sees this as a positive step in the city and a time for celebration.

Said Bird: "Being a life-long resident of Cape, to see something that affects the minority community in a positive way is like a breath of fresh air. In my opinion, this event will not only affect the black community, but will also raise the consciousness of the entire region to strive for a more social learning arena to solve issues together in a positive way."

Organizers stressed that the reunion, which they hope to make an annual event, is open to everyone.

Bird said that over the next few weeks, information will be released about how to attend activities and how to get tickets for the concert and prayer breakfast.

The featured entertainment, "Commissioned," has won or been nominated for 17 national awards, including a 1992 Grammy nomination for best gospel album, "Shakin' The House." Their latest release, "Matters of the Heart," is the group's introduction to new audiences and new horizons, smoothing its hard-hitting urban sound with some decidedly pop touches.

To kick off fundraising for the event, Kevin Vangilder, representing Procter and Gamble, presented Bird with a check for $19,500.

"We are proud to be part of an event that celebrates the family and recognizes the importance of family unity," Vangilder said. "This further provides our employees the opportunity to support the Cape area, its families, and community."

Vangilder said other businesses and individuals interested in providing financial support should call the chamber office at 335-3312.