Promoting unity among African American families was the focus of the Black Family Picnic Saturday in Whittington Park.
A number of Leflore County families participated in the event sponsored by the Kappa Alpha Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., despite the rainy weather.
According to Edith Spells, chapter president, the picnic started 10 years ago and was held on the Mississippi Valley State University campus.
The event was later moved to Whittington Park because it was more convenient for the people, she said.
The purpose of the activity is to provide an opportunity for African Americans and others to come together in unity and strengthen their heritage, Spells said.
The Black Family Picnic is one of the sorority’s international programs, and it is open to everyone.
Spells said the attendance was down Saturday due to the rain and other activities going on in the community. Last year the sorority fed more than 200 people.
But those in attendance Saturday still enjoyed the day. There was plenty of food and fun to be had. Many of the adults grabbed a Bingo card under and got under the pavilion to avoid the rain.
And in between showers, the children enjoyed the swings and slides at the park.
