BY LOUIS C. WARD
ORLANDO – About one hundred family members kept the legacy of Father Moses and Mother Martha Harris alive and well represented at the 23rd Harris Family Reunion held July 26th through 28th, 2024 at the Rosen Inn at Pointe Orlando on International Drive in Orlando.
The union of Moses, born sometime during the 1860’s, and Martha produced 14 children, which resulted in a host of family members hailing from California, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Illinois, New York, and South Carolina. Family members living in every one of the states showed up, engaged with each other, and honored Harris Family members that went home to glory and those still with us like the Harris Family’s third generation member Mary Taylor, who’s 95 years old, and less than a year old little Kacen Earnest Butler.
It was a heartwarming reunion from Friday’s Welcome to the family’s business meeting, buffet dinner, the traditional screaming and shouting card games, the children running around and playing with each other, to the singing and dancing which lasted until 2 am Sunday morning. The 2024 Harris Family Reunion’s Worship Service concluded the memorable occasion.
A unique, informative, and entertaining segment of the Saturday evening program was a 45 – minute comedy segment by Grandma Lula, portrayed by Marian Findley. The Harris Family audience readily identified with Grandma Lula’s one liners about church, family and life. Grandma Lula discussed the “spirit of ash” which some family members are endued with, you know the ones with the gray, ashy elbows. Well Grandma Lula said, “It’s important to carry some lotion with you so you’ll be prepared to “lay hands” on your loved one’s elbows.”
Many family members enjoyed learning about the history of the Harris family from the stories and experiences expressed by family members representing the oldest to the youngest generation.
“This reunion was so intimate and heartwarming. We just talked and got to know one another, and relaxed,” said Lynn English from New York.
Ms. Mary Taylor, who hung out with the young folk until 2 am Sunday morning, said, “I really enjoyed myself.”
Undoubtedly, the young people, James, Hudson, Daniel, Mya, Levi, Blessing, Mariah, and Zahir were just over the top playing video games against each other on their computers, trying to win at musical chairs, and swimming.
“It was a lovely reunion”, said Georgette Ward. “The Committee did a wonderful job.”
Harris Family member Jackie from the Mariah clan did an inspiring rendition of the Negro National Anthem.
“I thought we did well. Everyone really enjoyed themselves. Having fun with our family was the objective. I believed we did that,” said Ernestine Ward from the Harris clan, who coordinated the 2024 Harris Family Reunion. Family members commended her for putting on a memorable family event.
The next Harris Family Reunion will be held at Phoenix, Arizona in 2026.
