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The day continued with presentations by the family groups. Although some of the participants in the groups were not necessarily related by blood, the word “family” was used throughout the weekend. A common history tracing back to the same place as well as the spirit of common purpose provided a foundation for the groups relating to each other as family. In those groupings, participants shared about their ancestors’ pasts, their own lives and how they connected across the white - black divide. The opportunities to meet as “family groups” extended to private gatherings as well as sharing their stories with the larger group. Holly Fulton, a DeWolf descendant and participant said,

“What’s most beneficial for me is to see the energy spreading in other groups of people coming together, getting real, getting honest about race issues, about racism, about slavery. You know, I knew there were other people doing this, but to be a part of it and to see these relatives, these cousins, come together gets me very excited about my future vision and hopes for more and more things to happen like this.”

An important part of the event was to remember those who had gone before. To do this, the group participated in a meditation that included being captured into slavery, the middle passage and the experience of slavery in the US. This was described by many as a very powerful experience.

This was followed by an apology by Will Hairston to Ever Lee Hairston, Joe Henry Hairston, and James and Lillie Brown for his ancestors’ choices to participate and benefit from slavery and everything that meant for their ancestors and their lives. One participant summed it up as “moving beyond anyone’s expectations.”

After the apology, the group went out to Zenda, a chapel and graveyard that represented the center of a community started by people who came out of slavery after the end of the Civil War. Al Jenkins, who bought the property and is undertaking its restoration, led the group in caravan out to the property. Al indicated that a local Church of the Brethren congregation had given the property to the newly freed African Americans to assist them in beginning their new life.

At Zenda, the group lit candles in memory of ancestors. One participant later reflected on the event by saying, “In the rustic graveyard setting, the invoking of the ancestors, and lighting of candles, appeared to contain powerful symbolism of burying the past, and mutually asking for guidance of the ancestors to light the way to the future.” Mark Sawin, History Professor at EMU, was available to talk about the history of Zenda and answer questions.

A banquet at Community Mennonite Church followed with statements of recognition of those who have helped to start this movement. Henry Wiencek, author of The Hairstons; A Family in Black and White, was recognized for the work he did on the book that brought together black and white Hairstons, helping them work through their history and sharing it with the world. Ever Lee Hairston honored him by saying, “It is a privilege to honor you tonight because in the Hairston family you opened up dialogue. You were able to get family members talking, you were able to give us the opportunity to share some of our resentments, you gave us an opportunity to talk about things that had been tucked under the carpet for years and years.”

The weekend was completed with a closing circle. Each person shared their reflections on the weekend and commitments for going forward. A strong desire was expressed to continue with the work, work on deepening relationships with “family” members and extending the table for more descendants to begin connecting with each other and move along the healing path away from slavery.