The Black Family Celebration was conceptualized by Founder Minnie Warren, in 1991. Mrs. Warren's vision was to acknowledge the breakdown of the Black family, and to allow them an opportunity to be self-reliant.  The Black Family Celebration's (BFC’s) participants have dwindled over the years until 2019, when Tyree Blackamore and his Black Family Celebration Rival Committee took the reins.  That year, the event served over six hundred guests.
 

The community still needs a warm and friendly advocate that will go above and beyond to extinguish the issues that plague them. We are building a setting where the people always know they'll get the best of what we have to offer. The BFC Revival Committee meets at The Stepping Stone headquarters in Dowagiac, Michigan. The Stepping Stone is an official partner of the Black Family Celebration.
 

The components of the event are designed to secure various needs of our target audience and appeal to a diverse clientele. Our efforts include all age groups. We are launching the inclusion of visiting speakers to enrich our guests with information to enhance stability. Similar features were active and successful in the Black Family Celebration over the years. We provide free food and beverages, carnival games, chess tournaments, bounce houses, competitions for all ages, vendors, and basketball tournaments (the entry fee to compete, helps to offset costs). The Black Family Celebration helps participants maintain their dignity, by teaching them how to help themselves.

 

The event begins with an icebreaker at 6 p.m., Friday, September 2. The main event is Saturday, and we offer an additional Sunday church service, followed by a Soul Food Cook-Off.

 

It is our duty to make the Black family units of Michiana our priority. We will fulfill our obligation by offering a high-quality event and excellent opportunities with an interesting twist.