Radney Family Reunion Celebrates 60 Years of Legacy, Heritage

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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