Radney Family Reunion Celebrates 60 Years of Legacy, Heritage

Radney families consists of several roots from various cities and states from across the nation.

By TIMOTHY COX, Neighbor

Aug 13, 2026 6:30 PM EDT

This post was contributed by a community member.

Grover Radney Sr., of Youngstown, Ohio, is credited as the "Visionary" for creating and founding the Radney Family Reunion, in August 1965. (Photos courtesy of Timothy Cox)

By Timothy Cox

HASBROUCK HEIGHTS, NJ -- From the Red Clay Hills of South Georgia, the Radney Family was a major part of the Great Migration of Southern Families that escaped the trauma of Jim Crowism to the liberal freedoms above the Mason-Dixon Line.

With origins rooted in Southern Georgia, specifically in Stewart County, Ga., the descendants of the original Radneys met with wives, husbands, children, cousins, nieces, nephews and in-laws in a united effort to take their families to northern states - far away from the malicious laws that deemed black people as forever slaves, although slavery had officially been abolished a century earlier.

Therefore for the past 60 years, every second weekend of August, is deemed Radney Family Reunion Weekend, nationally.

Since 1965, the Radneys have united as a family unit initially in Youngstown, Ohio and Trenton, New Jersey. In subsequent years, the reunion has moved onto Cleveland, Detroit, Pittsburgh, Chicago, Memphis, Baltimore, Atlanta, Columbus, Ga. and next year, Savannah, Georgia.

The 2026 version of the Radney Reunion, Aug 7-9, was a tremendous success. With a 10-member organizational staff led by Linden, N.J. sisters Mylene (Redding) Porter, (Monique "Miss Mo" (Redding) Munford and their cousin Charisse (Redding) Elliot, no family members left the 2026 iteration with a bad taste in their proverbial mouths.

In fact, speaking of food, the three-day affair was chock-full-of delectable eats - from early-morning breakfasts to healthy hot lunches and dinners.

The Sunday afternoon banquet, always provides a formal setting with all participants dressed appropriately, while the meal is always tempting and appetizing. This event always honors the eldest and youngest family members. This year, it was Linden, NJ's Rose McGee, age 90. The youngest, Baby Noah Pressley Charles, is 18-months old.

But the Friday, Saturday events are always likewise special too. In addition to a Saturday afternoon "cook-in," Saturday night entertainment for the youngsters, middle-agers and seniors are likewise attention-grabbers. Talent contests are a very popular annual event, while this year included a Karaoke/Art Contest, which turned out to be a major hit.

The annual Sunday morning church services along with the Family Business Meeting, are likewise two events that enhance the entire weekend.

The church services were attended by a first-time Radney attendee, George Radney of Buffalo, N.Y.

The longtime sports columnist, aka "RadMan," has attended 17 consecutive Super Bowls, and is a radio analyst in addition to writing for the Buffalo Challenger as beat writer for the Buffalo Bills NFL football team.

Tracing roots back to the 1800s through ancestors Hannah and George Radney, nearly 300 relatives gathered for a weekend filled with family history, cultural celebration, recognition ceremonies, and meaningful opportunities for family members of all ages to reconnect. The weekend was a tribute to New Jersey legendary vocalist and Newark, NJ native Whitney Houston. Her 63rd birthday would've been Sunday, August 9.

This year's event was held at the Holiday Inn, just about ten minutes from MetLife Stadium, home of the New York Giants and the New York Jets. RnB superstars Usher and Chris Brown held two sold-out shows at the stadium on Friday and Saturday nights (Aug. 7-8).

Next year's Radney Family Reunion is scheduled for the second weekend of August, 2027. For more information about the Radney Family Reunion, contact Charisse Elliott, Radney NJ/NY District President, 908-787-7020 or charisseelliott22@gmail.com.

(ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Timothy Cox is a member of the Radney Family and a veteran journalist from Pittsburgh. Contact Mr. Cox at teacawks2@gmail.com.)

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This image depicts the current and past national officers of the Radney Family Reunion organization. (Photos courtesy of Timothy Cox)

This image depicts the historical chronological legacy of the Radney Family, from its orgins, including Grandma Hannah Abrams to George and Mary Radney, into its current family tree. (Photos courtesy of Timothy Cox)

Rose McGee of Linden, New Jersey, was honored as the oldest Radney Family member at the 2026 Radney Family Reunion. (Photos courtesy of Timothy Cox)

Baby Noah Pressley Charles, of Trenton, NJ, appears content with his grandmother, Teresa Pressley, wife of Rev. David Pressley Sr. Baby Noah is 18 months old. (Photos courtesy of Timothy Cox)

Family members congregate to partake in Karaoke and an art contest on Saturday afternoon. (Photos courtesy of Timothy Cox)

Stacie Taylor of Chicago, is the National Secretary of the Radney Reunion. Her parents are Bill Taylor and Eleanor Taylor. (Photos courtesy of Timothy Cox)

Food Crew - family members are in charge of distributing food at the annual cook-in. (Photos courtesy of Timothy Cox)

Clayton Yandel is considered the VIP of the Radney Family Reunion. The Pittsburgh native is husband of the late Kim Radney Yandel, niece of reunion founder Grover Radney Sr. Clayton is the technical audio-visual professional for reunion events. (Photos courtesy of Timothy Cox)

Two Generations; Four brothers; Four Musicians: Ronnie, Cairo, Nyles and Timothy - share generational knowledge, at the Reunion. (Photos courtesy of Timothy Cox)

Queen TT was the beauty treat at the annual Sunday Radney Banquet Dinner. (Photos courtesy of Timothy Cox)

Aunt-Mother Rose McGee, age 90, was crowned the oldest Radney attendee for 2026. She lives in Linden, NJ. She was born July 9, 1936. (Photos courtesy of Fred Short.)

Columbus Georgia Family Love, featuring Big Mama Talinthia, her daughter T. Shauntay, her husband Michael and their children: twins Nyla, Egypt and big bruh, Cairo. (Photos courtesy of Timothy Cox)

James Thomas aka JT of ESPN fame, hangs out with his young crew, daughters Alaina, Talaina and niece Faith and nephew Xzavier. The family lives in Bristol, Connecticut. (Photos courtesy of Timothy Cox)

Credit Cousin Mylene for selecting "Love's Holiday," the classic Earth, Wind & Fire tune for their homage to the Elements of the Universe. After Souljaboy nem, it was a welcome wind-down selection. (Photos courtesy of Timothy Cox)

Soulja Boy Tell 'Em was a fresh tune for the youngsters at the Talent Show. The Chicago-born artist is famous for his music origins in the Dirty South, Atlanta, GA. The tune was nominated in 2008 for a Grammy, but lost to Kanye West and T-Pain. (Photos courtesy of Timothy Cox)

Cousin Fred and Cousin Mo, offered a realistic portrayal of the Diana Ross/Lionel Richie classic, "Endless Love." (Photos courtesy of Timothy Cox)

David and Michelle - and their daughters, made the short trek from mid-state Jersey, to attend the 60th Annual Radney Family Reunion. (Photos courtesy of Timothy Cox)

Uncle Terrell hangs out with nieces Mariah and Jayleigh Butler. JB, 14, hopes to play college hoops and eventually the WNBA. All three live in Connecticut. (Photos courtesy of Timothy Cox)

Grandma Love: Rev. Brenda Cusac shows much love to her granddaughter, moments after the young one displayed her gymnastic-dance talents. (Photos courtesy of Timothy Cox)

Fred & The Boys busted some Temptations-like moves, while paying homage to all the male vocal groups of the 1970s. (Photos courtesy of Timothy Cox)

Cedell, Wayne, Lorenzo and the Boys enjoy an impromptu rap session - moments after the Saturday afternoon cook-in session. (Photos courtesy of Timothy Cox)

Pastor Essie Lee, led Sunday morning church services - she was accompanied by a gospel choir, pianist, audio tech and several deacons and pastors. (Photos courtesy of Timothy Cox)

MOTOWN MATRONS ... Four lovely cousins hailing from the Midwest aka Detroit and Cleveland, talk family ties, during Saturday morning breakfast. Gail and Cornelia are nieces of Reunion Founder Grover Radney Sr. (Photos courtesy of Timothy Cox)

PIANOMAN & PASTOR: Cousin Ronnie Cox and Pastor David Pressley Sr. held firm in their annual roles during the Sunday morning Church Services. (Photos courtesy of Timothy Cox)

THE CLEVELAND CONNECTION: Velma and Alonzo are usual attendees when it comes to the annual Radney Family Reunion. (Photos courtesy of Timothy Cox)

Sunday afternoon Banquet Dinner was, as always, melt-in-your-mouth tasty for most of the nearly 300 folks who attended the 2026 Radney Family Reunion. (Photos courtesy of Timothy Cox)

RICKY & SONS: Representing the Richland, Georgia side of the family, Big Daddy Ricky Reddick welcomed his young guys to the Reunion, along with his younger brother Kenneth Reddick. (Photos courtesy of Timothy Cox)

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