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A Black Family Reunion Without Dorothy Height

Musiq Soulchild, Chrisette Michele Among Artists Paying Tribute to Late NCNW President

 

The National Council of Negro Women had to celebrate the 25th anniversary of its Black Family Reunion on Saturday without Dr. Dorothy I. Height, who died in April. However, the highlight of this year’s reunion was the Dorothy I. Height Tribute concert held in her honor.

 

After a day of lining up to sample food from vendors or going from tent to tent for workshops and other activities, many African American families and friends joined concertgoers on the lawn of the National Mall to see performances on the main stage.

 

“Anytime you put black and family together, it can’t be bad,” said Big Tigger, WPGC-FM radio personality and host of the evening.

 

With the sun shining down and the Washington Monument in the background, performers such as J. Moss and Regina Bell entertained the packed crowd. Step Afrika! stepped to “Wade in the Water” while it was being sung.

 

Alexis M. Herman, Height’s confidante and former U.S. Secretary of Labor,noted that the late NCNW president would have wanted to acknowledge the nine-year anniversary of 9/11 as she introduced military trumpet players for a short musical selection.

 

As the sun began to set, recording artist Chrisette Michele came out in a white dress with a cropped jean jacket singing “Epiphany.” By the time her performance was over, the sun had disappeared and the crowd had grown larger. During the long intermission, 14-year-old DJ Kid Koby Rock from Atlanta kept the crowd entertained by spinning old school songs that both young and old concertgoers enjoyed.

 

The night ended with Musiq Soulchild performing ballads from many of his albums. The crowd swayed and sang along to songs like “If You Believe” and “Teach Me.” A video montage of President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama played on the big screen capturing black love as he sang “So Beautiful” off his “OnMyRadio” album.