By Siraaj Woods
Special to The Truth
On March 4, 2025, Ohio University issued a sudden press release announcing the cancellation of the much-anticipated Black Alumni Reunion (BAR). Citing political pressure and the threat of losing over $200 million in federal funding due to anti-DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) legislation, the university placed the highly anticipated weekend of events “on hold,” giving organizers, alumni and students alike less than a month to decide how to respond.
Unlike BAR, preparations were already underway for The Family ReOUnion 2 and could not be put on hold for a later date that has still yet to be determined (if even at all). But after the university’s actions, we were forced to ask ourselves a serious question:
Do we cut our losses and walk away? Or do we take the risk and press on, even if turnout suffers or resistance tries to stop us?
We didn’t back down.
Instead, we chose to press on.
Despite the uncertainty, despite the lack of backing, and despite the looming threat of low attendance or interference, we moved forward with The Family ReOUnion 2, a marquee event of the revamped Black Alumni Weekend (BAW). Students, alumni, local businesses and community leaders understood the importance of continuing the tradition to make sure that the weekend wasn’t just a gathering but a statement.
Led by R&R Entertainment in collaboration with a passionate group of current students and committed alumni, The Family ReOUnion 2 persisted. With little time, limited resources and zero institutional backing, we stood our ground and showed up in Athens on April 11, not just to celebrate, but to reclaim our space, our legacy and our voice.
In direct defiance of the federal administration’s agenda to gut DEI initiatives, we gathered anyway, we celebrated anyway and we told our stories anyway to continue to create safe spaces for Black students and alumni.
The weekend was filled with joy, storytelling, history and healing. From panel discussions and performances to small business collaborations and cultural gatherings, every aspect of BAW reinforced a simple truth: DEI isn’t just a policy, it’s a lived value. Even in the absence of official recognition, we created space.
We honored our past and invested in our future. And most importantly, we reminded everyone in attendance that our community will continue to thrive no matter the obstacles. Through music, laughter, fellowship, storytelling and reflection, Black Alumni Weekend reminded everyone in attendance that our traditions, our culture, and our impact don’t depend on institutional support. We gathered in love and protest, in joy and resistance. Just as our ancestors did during the Civil Rights Movement. And in doing so, we reminded Black Bobcats everywhere that this community is ours to uphold and protect.
The beauty of The Family ReOUnion 2, and the entire Black Alumni Weekend, was not just in the celebration itself, but in the incredible diversity of generations who came together. From Bobcats who attended Ohio University as far back as the 1950s, to current undergraduate students still walking the bricks today, the weekend created a bridge across time.
Alumni shared stories of perseverance, campus life and change, while younger Bobcats listened, laughed and found inspiration in their footsteps. Bonds were formed, memories were relived and new traditions were built. All in a space that honored the shared experiences and rich legacy of Black excellence at Ohio University.
Our hope is that this weekend serves as an inspiration, not only to other Ohio universities, but to campuses and communities across the nation. May it be a reminder that when times get tough, we don’t fold. We adapt. We persist. We uplift one another. When times get difficult, we rely and depend on our communities. Because as Winston Churchill once said:
“Never let a good crisis go to waste.”
Let this be the spark that fuels more gatherings, more advocacy, and more action. Not just in protest, but in celebration. Not just in resistance, but in hope. We will continue to gather, to build, and to protect the spaces that reflect who we are and who we’re becoming.
Credits:
The Family ReOUnion 2 Committee: Michel Curry, DeMarjé Hogan, Osahon Ogbebor, Andrew Owusu, Siraaj Woods
Sponsors & Partners: Black Alumni Weekend 2025, MYLE, SWC, The J Bar, A-Roc Entertainment, DJ Hef, Mikaela Woods Photography, Avalanche Pizza, Pushing Podcast, The Epsilon Lambda Chapter Of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
Photos By: Mikaela Woods Photography