The Quander family celebrated its 100th family reunion with four days of activities honoring their history and legacy. (Courtesy photo)

By Jonathan Forney
Special to the AFRO

The Quander family held their 100th family reunion Aug. 7-10, a historic feat for an African-American family. The family’s historian and advocate, Judge Rohulamin Quander, was able to attend before his death on Aug. 16.

From the first Quander family reunion in 1926 to now, the family has stayed true to their motto: stick together. Despite the unfortunate loss of their patriarch, the family is determined to keep honoring their history.

“That candle will still burn. The legacy will go on and not stop here,” Quander Family 1926 Fund chair Robin Quander-Whitmire said.

Judge Quander convinced his doctors to delay a surgery so that he could attend the reunion, and he, along with other family members, signed a commemorative banner. After his passing, that banner holds a different meaning to Quander-Whitmire.

Judge Rohulamin Quander, the Quander family patriarch and historian, delayed surgery to attend the centennial reunion before his death days later. He was among the family members to sign a commemorative banner at the event. (Courtesy Photo)

“When I saw Ro’s name on there, it really made me emotional,” Quander-Whitmire said. “He was just that determined to be there for the 100th reunion.” 

The Quander family traces its roots across the globe. From George Washington’s Mount Vernon plantation in Virginia to the Fanti tribe of Ghana. Their thoroughly documented history is in large part to the efforts of the late Judge Quander. 

“[The reunion is] a public acknowledgement of resilience, identity and the importance of knowing where you come from,” Judge Quander said in a press release.

The reunion festivities took place at several historically significant locations to the Quander family. There was a tour and panel at Howard University, home to many of the family’s historical documents and Judge Quander’s alma mater. 

Family members gather at several historically significant reunion sites tied to Quander history. (Courtesy Photo)

In his panel address at Howard University, Judge Quander implored Black people to learn their history. “Whatever remnants you can find, if you can tie some history of that era, you can have a feeling,” he said.

There were worship services, a cookout, a plantation tour and a family memorial. The memorial took place at the site of the original Quander family reunion.

“We hope this centennial moment will inspire others to preserve their own family stories,” Judge Quander said.