Everyone is invited to the third annual “Back in the Day Reunion,” hosted by members of Vancouver’s earliest African-American families, on Saturday at Marshall Park in Vancouver.
Vancouver drew shipyard workers from all over the nation during World War II, and many African-American people stayed and made homes here. Some of their stories were published in 2012 by the Vancouver NAACP in a book called “First Families of Vancouver’s African American Community,” based on interviews with author Jane Elder Wulff.
The book has led to this annual reunion. “We wanted to gather together the people we grew up with, people who were born and raised in Vancouver,” said Kay Swar Grant, one of the organizers.
The event is set for 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at Marshall Park, 1015 E. McLoughlin Blvd. Basic cookout fare, water and some supplies will be provided at the park’s main shelter. Bring your own favorite dishes and nonalcoholic beverages, utensils and chairs.
There will be music and entertainment, door prizes and games.
