Alexandria natives share memories at 2nd annual Black Family Reunion event

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Inside the walls of this Alexandria Library, there is no shortage of stories. But for one woman who was born and raised here, they're more than just stories. 

"Because I know that before I was even born, my mom and dad, they met at [ages] 6 and 8," Carolyn Summers explained, "very few people can tell that story. And they fell in love and they had dreams."

Summers gets emotional as she shows off a picture of the house she grew up in. 

"It’s a blessing that it’s still standing. Many of the houses here in the city of Alexandria that some of the African Americans lived in – they’re not longer here," she said. 

Those missing pieces of history are why she felt compelled to bring memories of her family to the second annual Black Family Reunion. 

"There’s a torch that I have to bear that I want to carry and represent the family, represent the African American community," explained Summers. 

But it's not hard to see the pride she has for her family's past.  

"My grandmother marched with my first cousins to integrate the schools in the city of Alexandria," she said. "Time is very valuable, that I have to tell my story and also carry the legacy of my grandmother… and my father, because of the contributions that they made in the city of Alexandria."

She hopes those contributions will resonate with younger generations. 

"This is what will encourage the youth to tell our story and to be proud of our story and to be proud of who you are," Summers said.