A post recently went viral claiming that Black family reunions have declined by 47% since 1997. The number sparked debate and reflection across the internet. Many blamed the passing of elders, the disinterest of younger generations and the growing difficulty of organizing large-scale gatherings. But there’s just one issue: The statistic appears to be fabricated.
Experts at the Program for Research on Black Americans (PRBA), a research institute, say they’ve seen no such study.
“The trend regarding Black family reunions would be interesting, but I don’t think we have asked questions about that on any of our surveys,” said Deborah Robinson, assistant director at PRBA. “To assess a decline, one would have to ask the same question over time on a nationally representative sample. I’m not sure if anyone has done [that].”
The Pew Research Center also said it does not have any relevant research.
“The statistic is probably made up because so much of the internet is made up right now,” said Ashanté Reese, a native Texan and associate professor of anthropology at the University of Texas at Austin. “But if it is real research, I would really love to know who did it, because there’s just not a lot on Black family reunions. This is someone’s dissertation waiting to happen.”
Perception vs. reality
While the exact statistic may be unreliable, the sentiment it reflects resonates with many Black families across the country. Whether there’s a 47% drop or not, families say reunions aren’t what they used to be.
Reese, who has spent the past two years attending Black family reunions for her research on food and communal gathering, says the tradition is still alive — but evolving.
“I spent all of 2023 and a good part of 2024 going to people’s family reunions and the tradition is alive and well,” she said. “People probably gravitated to the post because it’s speaking to them. Family reunions mean something different when you’re already disconnected.”
She added that other factors, including the loss of ancestral land and family homes, are significant.
“Many people I interviewed talked about losing the places where their families used to gather. Homes. Farms. That land loss has a real impact,” she said.
“We just had our 75th family reunion on July 4th! We have never missed one. We even did virtual in 2020. We have lost a lot of family, but not the tradition!” said Whitney Hogan.
Families and experts agree that the tradition faces real challenges, even if the decline isn’t measurable. Below are some of the reasons.
The COVID-19 effect
The pandemic dealt a significant blow to the rhythm of annual family reunions. Due to health concerns, travel restrictions and shifting priorities, many families have yet to return to their pre-2020 traditions.
“My family had them yearly until COVID, which shifted the way the world worked,” said Títí Layo. “We gathered more for funerals than fellowship. We did a major holiday together and promised to go back to annual reunions.”
Loss of elders
As matriarchs and patriarchs pass away, many families are left without the central figures who once rallied everyone together. Without strong leadership or a sense of responsibility from the younger generation, reunions often fade away.
“Definitely think it’s because the matriarchs and patriarchs are passing away,” said Yvette Yearwood. “The younger generations aren’t interested.”
“We are pretty sure that when we have reached the age where we can’t, then the reunion will die,” said Tori Lashon Thompson. “Family reunions are only what you make them. You can choose to keep coming up with reasons why you don’t come or choose to get involved to keep the family legacy strong. Either way, it’s a personal choice.”
Exhaustion
Planning a large family gathering is hard work — and often thankless. Once the few key organizers get burned out or pass away, the tradition can end unless others step in to carry the torch.
“One side of my family keeps it going! We have been meeting for over 78 years every year in August,” said CJ Harris Geaux. “I believe once the planners get exhausted or die, the skills of planning a large event go with them. Get the family reunion committee to include the younger generation. Let them interject new ideas and contribute to planning ahead for longevity.”
Economic barriers
Family reunions can be costly, especially for planners, who often bear the financial burden when others don’t contribute. From food and lodging to venues and shirts, the expenses add up, and not everyone is willing or able to pay their share.
“We held nice family reunions as long as my cousin, Kathy, and I were footing the majority of the bill. We spent thousands,” said one organizer. “The last family reunion, approximately five years ago, we only asked for $15 per person or $25 per family in one home. That wasn’t including the venue cost, which we paid out of our pocket. We made the cost as cheap as we could. My family members still complained about the cost. That was my last family reunion.”
Family disputes
For some families, old wounds and unspoken grievances make it hard to gather in peace. Without elder mediators to smooth over conflicts, tensions often rise — or keep people away altogether.
“People are tired of years of ignored, swept-under-the-rug trauma and drama,” said Robert B. Jones II. “We just don’t wanna fake it anymore… and Madear/Big Ma/Granny ain’t here to ‘make’ us.”
Ghosting culture
In the digital age, some family members choose to disengage entirely. Whether it’s skipping out on payments or simply not showing up, the trend toward avoidance has added another layer of strain to reunion planning.
“My family will not pay. They just show up and eat and leave — if they come at all,” said Tonja North.
Social Media
While social media has made it easier than ever to stay in touch, some argue that it has inadvertently lessened the perceived need for in-person reunions. With updates, photos and family chats just a click away, fewer families may feel the urgency to gather under one roof.
“Social media has allowed families to connect more often,” said Lisa R. Peoples-Crafton. “Some families may find that they can maintain connections and share experiences through social media or smaller, more frequent gatherings, making large-scale reunions less necessary.”
The shift in how people connect also plays a role. For younger generations accustomed to digital interaction, the idea of planning or attending a multiday in-person gathering can feel more burdensome than celebratory.
“Whether the percentage is accurate or not, the perception that reunions are fading is real,” said Reese. “And perceptions shape behavior.”
Why it still matters
Despite the challenges, many believe that Black family reunions remain essential to cultural preservation, healing and identity.
“Family is where our original identity is formed — through love, silence, survival and the patterns we inherit,” said Veronica Lynn Clark, a transformational facilitator, author and relationship coach. “Reconnecting with family isn’t just about reunion — it’s about repairing what’s been passed down. For Black communities, that repair is generational healing: Naming what was once unspoken, interrupting cycles of pain and restoring dignity to our lineage so our children inherit something more whole. That’s sacred work.”
Reunions are an opportunity to pass down oral history, share recipes and photos, meet distant cousins and celebrate Black joy across generations.
“These gatherings are vital. They root us in who we are and remind us of where we’ve come from,” said Reese.
For families who still host reunions, it takes creativity and persistence. Some have embraced hybrid or virtual events. Others incorporate digital tools like social media polls, group chats and reunion planning apps.
Tips for reviving the tradition include:
- Start small: A one-day potluck or local picnic can rebuild momentum.
- Make it meaningful: Include memory boards, family trees, storytelling hours or ancestry presentations.
- Bridge the generation gap: Let younger relatives help plan events, emcee games or create reunion content for social media.
- Share the load: Rotate planning duties, fundraise in advance and set realistic expectations.
- Adapt: If a full-blown reunion isn’t feasible, find new ways to connect — group vacations, sibling weekends or annual holiday meetups.
Though rumors of their death may be exaggerated, Black family reunions are undeniably at a crossroads. And whether the challenge is generational, logistical or spiritual, one thing is clear — the effort to preserve them is worth it.
“Family reunions aren’t dying,” said Reese. “They’re changing. And that’s not a bad thing. But we have to be intentional if we want to hold onto the parts that matter.”
Sidebar – These can also be social media slides
Let the People Be Heard: Black Family Reunions
From generational shifts to economic burdens and changing values, readers shared personal reflections on why family reunions are fading — or why they’re still fighting to keep the tradition alive.
“On my birth dad’s side of the family, a few of us have been ‘talking’ about coordinating a family reunion for years now. Not sure why we haven’t moved things forward, but perhaps it’s because of busy lifestyles, life life’ing and the fact that many of us live in different states.”
–Kysa Anderson Daniels
“My family still has them, but I no longer attend since my parents died. My sister still goes to our father’s family reunions.” – C. René Washington
“We still hold them on my maternal grandfather’s side. I remember it as far back as the ’80s — I think it started in the ’70s. It died down in the early ’90s due to the passing of several of his siblings and declining health. Then the younger generations decided to revive it in 2008. We have family spread out across the U.S. and host every two years. Next year we’re trying something new — a cruise.”
– Shaunda Betts
“We just had our 75th family reunion on July 4th! We have never missed one — even did virtual in 2020. We have lost a lot of family, but not the tradition!” – Whitney J. Hogans
“If you still have reunions and are involved in organizing them, start now drafting younger family members as apprentices. Train your replacement! Then let them take the lead with the organizing while you support them through the process.” – LaShun Turner
“As families grow, they tend to branch off into their own sections of bonds. What we view as dwindling attendance is actually family growth. My kids are deeply bonded with their immediate family, but if they knew how large our extended family is, they’d be amazed!”
– Jeffrey J. Young
“It’s because the elders are dying and everyone is broke.” – Donneil D. Jackson
“My relatives are basically all selfish pigs that don’t care about anyone but themselves. So a family reunion is out of the question.” – Barry K. Nelson
“We just had our 64th reunion in June. We still have a large turnout with over 250 people this year. I’ve been on the planning committee for at least 10 years. While some of us are ready to step down, it’s been difficult getting the younger generation to step up.” – Felica Garrett
“Once my auntie died, it became more of a struggle. She was the glue that held it all together. We’ve tried to keep it going, but it’s just not the same without her.” – Kimmoly K. LaBoo
“Our family holds a new tradition — Family Day — so we can all continue to get together. With growing families, it is sometimes complicated.” – Dee Rose
“The older folk want the younger folk to take over, but still want to run everything. People don’t want to pay until the last minute, so I had to cover expenses out of pocket. The older generation wants mailed flyers and isn’t hip to the digital age.” – Lakenya R. Henderson
“This year is my family’s 88th reunion. We have one every year on the second Sunday in October. This year, me and my cousins are stepping up to handle the majority of planning and food prep. My grandmother just turned 97, and her youngest sister is 80. Now it’s our turn.” – Tia Webster McCollors
“We’re losing family members along the way, so funerals are becoming the main time we see each other. The age gaps are wild — I had my last kid at 40, but most of my first cousins are already grandparents.”
– Olivia D. Sanders
“We have a reunion every year on the last Saturday in July on the lot of a small church in Tulip, Arkansas. It’s potluck. But the younger generation doesn’t know how to plan, cook or prepare for something like this. My generation adapted, but I’m not sure what happens after us.” – Lynette Smith
“We hosted nice family reunions — as long as my cousin Kathy and I paid for most of it. We kept the cost low, but people still complained. $15 per person for unlimited barbecue, sides, drinks, a DJ, and kids’ activities — and they said it was too much. They packed two or three plates to take home, but wouldn’t chip in. That was my last family reunion.”
– Tracy Mae
“It is A LOT of work — and even more when people don’t do their part. If you’re not on the planning committee, your only job is to pay on time and show up with a good attitude. But those are usually the ones who complain the most.” – Sandra Hudson-Hatley
“You have to have people interested in learning the family history. If those stories weren’t passed down, you lose them. That’s what it’s about for me — finding our roots. Not entertainment. A deep dive.” – Aly Aicyla
“Before, family reunions were the only time to connect. Now, with texting and video chat, there’s less pressure to travel unless someone’s dying. It’s not the same urgency.” – Nakecia Bowers
“Families are spread out across the world, and no one is maintaining close contact anymore. That used to be the elders’ role. Now people are just trying to get by.” – Lauren Lorde
“Many people can’t afford to travel with their whole family. They don’t get enough vacation time. And since we see each other on social media, there’s not the same push.” – Latrice Causey
“We’ve internalized individualism and don’t see the value in family connections. We don’t teach our kids about their cousins anymore.” – Shawna Washington
“My grandparents hosted yearly reunions in Detroit. But the younger generation doesn’t know each other. Now we travel more, and family time isn’t the same priority.” – Landis Lain
“The glue is gone, and folks hang with friends instead of family.” – Kris Cannon
“I reluctantly attended mine this year. It was held in rural Louisiana, where there’s little to do but fish and dodge bears. It’s exhausting — we travel, pay, work the event, and then watch others show up late just to eat and leave. The elders need to give younger people space to lead and innovate. Otherwise, these traditions will die with them.” – Tiphany Burrell
“I don’t talk to a lot of my family regularly. I go to reunions because my mom’s still living and I want to learn the history. But it’s not like it was when my granny was alive.”
– Renee Hawk
“Family dynamics have changed. There’s no more Sunday dinners, no more grandmothers raising the kids while everyone works. Values are different.” – Maggie Whatley Green
“No one values the importance of family anymore. When you’re still mad about something from 45 years ago and refuse to speak to relatives, that’s generational damage. Younger folks are more focused on brunch and social media than legacy and love.” – Linda Spears
