Hinesville Assistant City Manager Kenneth Howard’s family has deep roots in Liberty County. He and his relatives are the descendents of slaves who once worked Kedron Plantation.
Howard said the 32nd Howard family reunion will begin at 4 p.m. Saturday at his family’s estate, Howard Hill, in Riceboro. It’s an event he eagerly awaits each year.
Here’s what Howard likes best:
1. “The planning part of it. It allows those family members in the community who otherwise would not have an opportunity to get together on a weekly basis. We start our meetings on the Saturday after the Fourth of July.”
2. “This is the second year that we, as a family, have given out an academic scholarship to one of our family graduates. We give a $500 college scholarship and hold a reception in May to award the scholarship. Other graduates receive a money award as well.”
3. “The excitement and anticipation of seeing relatives you haven’t seen in years.” Howard said 400-500 relatives are expected to attend the reunion. “They come from all over, as far away as California, Texas, Chicago, Miami and New York.”
4. “The event itself. We try to get speakers who would motivate us to be better family members.” State Rep. Al Williams, D-Midway, will serve as guest speaker this year. In addition, The Gospel Messengers will sing gospel songs and the McIntosh Shouters will perform authentic ring shouts.
5. “Our theme. This year our theme is ‘Celebrating Our Roots.’ We’re going back to the beginning. My great-great-grandfather was the root we all came from. We want to recognize that and keep that near and dear to our hearts.” Howard said he and his relatives are grateful for their many blessings.
The reunion is open to the public. For more information, call Howard at 884-2797.
Howard said the 32nd Howard family reunion will begin at 4 p.m. Saturday at his family’s estate, Howard Hill, in Riceboro. It’s an event he eagerly awaits each year.
Here’s what Howard likes best:
1. “The planning part of it. It allows those family members in the community who otherwise would not have an opportunity to get together on a weekly basis. We start our meetings on the Saturday after the Fourth of July.”
2. “This is the second year that we, as a family, have given out an academic scholarship to one of our family graduates. We give a $500 college scholarship and hold a reception in May to award the scholarship. Other graduates receive a money award as well.”
3. “The excitement and anticipation of seeing relatives you haven’t seen in years.” Howard said 400-500 relatives are expected to attend the reunion. “They come from all over, as far away as California, Texas, Chicago, Miami and New York.”
4. “The event itself. We try to get speakers who would motivate us to be better family members.” State Rep. Al Williams, D-Midway, will serve as guest speaker this year. In addition, The Gospel Messengers will sing gospel songs and the McIntosh Shouters will perform authentic ring shouts.
5. “Our theme. This year our theme is ‘Celebrating Our Roots.’ We’re going back to the beginning. My great-great-grandfather was the root we all came from. We want to recognize that and keep that near and dear to our hearts.” Howard said he and his relatives are grateful for their many blessings.
The reunion is open to the public. For more information, call Howard at 884-2797.