Short Video Clip of the 2011 JAFRO Family Reunion in San Diego, CA. To order your video, please click on the ORDER link below:
Dear family,
As hosts of the 2011 Family Reunion, we want to thank all of those who made the trip from great distances (including Virginia, New York, and San Francisco). We understand the great investment of time and money it took to be in San Diego for the weekend. We are inspired by your commitment to carry on the wishes of our grandelders to always stick together. There were a small handful that made sure that NOONE was left behind and reached in their own pockets to personally fund the trip for individuals with financial hardships so that other members of the family who wanted to come, could come. We thank you for honoring the theme "Noone left behind." We appreciate all of the hard work of the reunion committee and those who lent a hand throughout the weekend whenever asked.
We appreciated the full participation in the Dancing and Tribute to our Elders and Storytelling and Games night. We enjoyed celebrating with Traci Jones-Caudle as she was publicly presented with one of this year's scholarship awards during the banquet. We were reminded of the importance our family places on education. We are proud to have the opportunity to celebrate the accomplishment with our scholarship recipients.
We appreciate Flo Baldie for her consistent contributions of her beautiful works of art to the annual scholarship fund drive. The final tally of what was raised will be announced, but it was around $200-300 allowing for 2-3 more scholarships to be awarded next year. We give honor and thanks to Beatrice Smith and Dr. Willie O. Jones (our family elders), and give a special thank you for your leadership and your undying commitment to this family. You not only show up, you set the example and teach us what it means to be a Jones. We love you and thank you.
This weekend was a great opportunity for us to fellowship and bond. We most enjoyed the storytelling and the opportunity to connect with each other on a deeper level. The final video will include footage of interviews taken of our elders. Some of the stories I have never heard.
For those who weren't able to attend, we missed you. All we can say is start planning now for Memorial Day 2012. Let this year be the last year any member of this family miss a reunion. We miss you already and look forward to the next gathering. We love you all.
- from Proud Jones Family Members, Mayumi and Clinton Young (David Jones lineage)