By Tom Hanks

The quiet of the Ohio Union was replaced Friday afternoon by the sounds of Drake, Montell Jordan and Kirk Franklin, as Ohio State’s Frank W. Hale Black Cultural Center presented the Family Affair & Reunion. 

The event was held in person – for the first time since 2019 – and included food, music, a step show, informational booths and an appearance from Ohio State’s beloved mascot, Brutus. 

This year’s event was held as the opening salvo to a weekend of events relating to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) on campus, capping off with the Classic for Columbus – a weeklong celebration of HBCU life culminating with a rival football game between Central State and Kentucky State.

Ohio has two HBCUs – Central State and Wilberforce, located 50 miles from Columbus in Greene County.

Shayana Hinkle-Moore, president of the Black Student Association, called Friday’s events a labor of love.

“We started planning in June. Over the summer, we came up with ideas on what we wanted it to look like, and decided on a three-part event, where we have the Student Involvement Fair, the meal and games – such as line dancing, as well as the step show,” Hinkle-Moore said. “We’re here today, and everyone’s enjoying themselves. That’s what it’s all about.”

Hinkle-Moore says that Friday’s celebration took on a new meaning after the deaths of George Floyd, Andre’ Hill, Ma’Kiah Bryant and Casey Goodson while in police custody.

“Even though we weren’t supposed to congregate a year ago, we had to. We had to fight for our lives. This is a space where we can congregate out of joy. Black lives matter – not just when we die, but even in joy and happiness,” she said.

Larry Williamson, director of the Hale Black Cultural Center, welcomed the return of the longstanding tradition.

“Family Affair gives students a chance to enjoy each other and learn about the services available to them in a more intimate manner than at Welcome Week,” Williamson said. “We’re very excited to have it back.”

There are more activities that people can learn from and participate in.

From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, the Battelle College, Career and Community Fair will be held at the French Field House, as well as a high school battle of the bands at 1 p.m. in the park behind Lincoln Tower. All activities are free.