By Kevin Aldridge
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Edward Rigaud of the Underground Railroad Freedom Center speaks Friday with Dorothy I. Height, who founded the Black Family Reunion in Washington, D.C. (Ernest Coleman photo) | ZOOM |

The National Council of Negro Women started the Black Family Reunion 18 years ago to challenge reports of the demise of the black family.

As the Midwestern celebration began its 15th year in Cincinnati on Friday, event organizers also had another goal: exploring ways to build a stronger and better African-American community.

More than 100 people came to the Legacy Banquet & Conference Center in Roselawn to discuss that topic.

The meeting began with a motivational speech from author Robert Lawson of Portsmouth, Ohio.

"Instead of just teaching our kids to say 'No' to drugs, sex and tobacco, we need to be teaching them to say 'Yes' to their lives, 'Yes' to their dreams and 'Yes' to their futures," said Lawson. "It used to be said it takes a village to raise a child. Now when people see bad things happening, they turn their heads because they are afraid.

"But we have to stop being afraid and say to our kids, 'Hey, that's not how it's done,' " he said.

A panel featuring author Odessa Walker Hooker; Cincinnati Police Capt. Michael Cureton; Bernadette Watson, chief of staff for Mayor Charlie Luken; Cincinnati City Councilwoman Laketa Cole; and Albert Hatcher of the Empowerment Zone continued exploring how to build stronger community.

"We need to play the role of mentors, making sure our young people know who they are and where they come from," said Watson.

Hooker, author of the book With Heads Held High: Legacy of My Southern Parents, added: "Children do what you do, not what you say."

Friday's reunion events began with Heritage Breakfast and Opening Ceremony at the Vernon Manor Hotel in Avondale. More than 200 guests turned out.

The Black Family Reunion rolls on today with its annual parade, which begins at 10 a.m. Staging will begin at Queensgate Park at the intersection of Linn and Court streets.

Concert on the Cove runs 2-7 p.m. at the Serpentine Wall at Yeatman's Cove. An R&B concert will be 4:30-8 p.m. Featured acts include Avant, Tamia and The Temptations.

E-mail kaldridge@enquirer.com