Not just any old family reunion
In the words of Lonnie Bunch, the charismatic director of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History & Culture, the Bond family, “Has helped shape America in profound and important ways.” So when more than one hundred family members gathered in the nation’s capital, traveling from California, Georgia, Ohio, New York, Pennsylvania and Virginia, it was bound to be interesting.
Academy Award-winning filmmaker Roger Ross Williams interviewed many Bonds for his documentary, “Traveling While Black.” At the reunion’s closing banquet, Williams engaged in a dialogue with Julian Bond, a civil rights icon whose passion for justice has not diminished after more than a half-century of activism. Julian emceed as the crew filmed interviews in which stories emerged of continued racism in America. Frustration and anger were, in many stories, mixed with humor and hope.
Even the banquet venue evoked the history of civil rights, as it took place in the Thurgood Marshall community center. Narissa Bond sang her civil rights ballad, “I Live Here, Too.” Her sister, Cynthia Bond, signed copies of her recently published and critically acclaimed novel Ruby.
Lonnie Bunch was a special treat. His vision for the African American Museum is so compelling, and so positive. It will tell stories of slavery and segregation so that the world cannot forget. The museum will also tell stories of accomplishment, of creativity, of triumph.
At 92, Anna Hairston was the oldest member of the family to participate in the reunion. At six-and-a-half months, our son, Theodore Alan Bond-Osius, was the youngest. But not for long. Alicia Bond-Lewis and Chris Lewis are expecting in September. The story continues. – Ted Osius
Reception
Capitol Steps
Talk with Lonnie Bunch
Bid Whist Tournament
Traveling While Black and Banquet
Getting Together
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