HOWARD FAMILY REUNION - PHILADELPHIA, PA 1988

The reunion was planned and executed by Sherry L. Howard, a newspaper editor, daughter of Abbie Lee Howard, daughter of Alonzo, who had been living in the city for three years. She began planning the week after the 1987 reunion. She wanted to make sure that this was one that the family would never forget.

By the time the family arrived in Philadelphia in July, they had received at least six letters from Sherry, telling them what she had planned for them, the cost, potential places to go and some activities they could look forward to.

By now, the reunions were becoming somewhat elaborate. Family members stayed in a nice hotel, where they held their Friday-night gatherings and Sunday banquets.

The 65 people who showed up were given name tags, a folder packed with information on the reunion’s schedule of activities, places to go in the area and things to see, “Philadelphia Get to Know Us” buttons, and maps of cities and restaurants in the area.

On Friday night, family members participated in a Family Feud game, like the television show but with a twist – the questions dealt with Black history. Teams of two family members with the largest number of correct answers won the game. There was also a fashion show, with family members modeling their best clothes.

Taped to the walls of the room were photographs of family members from previous reunions, with screwy and crazy captions. On Sunday, there were other more flattering photos from other reunions, grouped by year.

On Saturday, family members fanned out to various places: Some went to Atlantic City to play the slots, take in the view and gaze in amazement at the opulent – or gaudy, depending on your tastes – casinos. Hortense Howard, wife of Oliver, son of Guss, was the only one who got lucky at the casinos. She won about $300. 

Other family members went to New York City. In the Big Apple, a group of family members drove to Battery Park and took a ferry over to see the Statue of Liberty. Some members stayed in the park as the rest of them went to see the grand lady of freedom.

However, many of the park’s visitors considered the Howard family to be an attraction. Family members were dressed in white skirts, white shorts or white pants, and wore green T-shirts with the family tree outlined in white. Some of the tourists asked family members to pose for photographs.

On Sunday, one group of family members went to hear Rev. Walter L. Howard of Detroit preach at a Philadelphia church, while another group went to Zion Baptist Church, which is deeply rooted in Black history. Its former minister – who had only recently left the church – was world-renowned. The Rev. Leon Sullivan had developed the Sullivan Principles, which sought equal treatment for Black and white workers in South Africa. He also had formed a jobs program called Opportunities Industrialization Center Inc. Although Rev. Sullivan was not the preacher that Sunday, his assistant did a wonderful job, all agreed.

For the first time, the family took a group portrait, just before the banquet.

At the banquet, grandparents Rebecca Spivey, daughter of Alonzo; Gussie Clark, daughter of Guss; Abbie Lee Howard, daughter of Alonzo; Arthur Lee Howard, son of Alonzo, and his wife Dora were honored. Their names had been submitted beforehand by other family members. Each received a red rose. 

Before each was asked to come forward, Sherry read aloud their answers to the statement, “How would I like to be remembered.” Each walked up after their name was called and one of their grandchildren penned a ribbon on them. Rebecca’s granddaughter Trina read the presentation to her.

Trina received a special commendation from her family on her graduation from high school and her attending college that fall in Cincinnati.

Since Sherry had singlehandedly pulled this reunion together, the family members presented her with a monetary award to show their appreciation. She was touched.

The next reunion was set for July 1989.

The ferry to the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor.