CINCINNATI — Cincinnati’s Black Family Reunion kicks off Aug. 18 — the last event of its kind in the nation.
Orlando Chapman, who was named the grand marshal of the event, has a history with Cincinnati. He grew up on the city’s west end.
“I pretty much know every alley, every corner down here,” said Chapman.
He said he found his passion growing up in the area.
“The whole hip-hop scene broke loose in the 80s, and I was a part of that being a rapper and doing the whole talent show thing, then I got into the producing side of it,” said Chapman.
It was the launching pad to his entertainment company, Ril Entertainment, which he runs now.
For the past 30 years, he’s been organizing and promoting events in Cincinnati that bring people together and benefit the community.
“This is one of the biggest things I wanna do. We’re gonna just line this whole park up, put vendors and everything here, and we’re gonna feed the homeless,” said Chapman.
It doesn’t end there. He’s also about to be a part of what he said is one of the city’s most important events: Cincinnati’s 34th Black Family Reunion.
“It’s really for everyone. That’s the reason it was put together, in order to keep us together,” said Chapman.
It includes a job fair, motivational speakers, a Black history tour, concerts and a parade that celebrates Black culture and family.
For Chapman, being named the grand marshal is an honor.
“I’ve been attending the Black Family Reunion since I was a kid, and to now be the grand marshal, that’s huge. It’s an amazing honor. I’m so humbled by it, but so excited at the same time,” said Chapman.
The Black Family Reunion runs from Aug. 18-21. For more information and a line-up of events, click here.
