{"id":11582187,"date":"2025-07-28T11:26:29","date_gmt":"2025-07-28T15:26:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.baltimoresun.com\/?p=11582187"},"modified":"2025-07-28T11:37:59","modified_gmt":"2025-07-28T15:37:59","slug":"family-reunions-are-sacred-reader-commentary","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.baltimoresun.com\/2025\/07\/28\/family-reunions-are-sacred-reader-commentary\/","title":{"rendered":"Family reunions are sacred | READER COMMENTARY"},"content":{"rendered":"

It is said that the first lessons in life are learned at your mother\u2019s knee. For me, the lessons that have shaped my life have extended far beyond that intimate circle. My story has been amplified a thousandfold through the witness of my extended family \u2014 lessons lived and shared across generations.<\/p>\n

This year, we are honored to host the 52nd reunion of my paternal family \u2014 the Hathaways \u2014 right here in Baltimore, a city that has nurtured my personal and professional journey.<\/p>\n

Our family\u2019s journey began on the shores of West Africa, continuing through the Somerset Plantation in Creswell, North Carolina. Through bondage and beyond, our ancestors never lost sight of their North Star: freedom. That freedom was not just physical, but intellectual, spiritual and communal \u2014 embodied in our pursuit of academic achievement, economic empowerment, faith formation and civic engagement.<\/p>\n

Our careers have touched every corner of society \u2014 ministry, education, arts and culture, politics, sports and entertainment and business. The strength of our family has fortified each of us, helping us resist the traps, tragedies and tricks that too often pull others down. In each story of resilience, in every achievement, in all our sacrifices, we find living proof that \u201cknowing your family strengthens each other.\u201d<\/p>\n

Family reunions such as this serve a vital role. They are more than social gatherings \u2014 they are sacred moments of reconnection. They anchor each generation with pride and purpose, reminding us of who we are and where we come from. We are descendants of survivors, dreamers and doers.<\/p>\n

I\u2019ve been blessed with an active career in the life of Baltimore. Any success I\u2019ve achieved is because I\u2019ve been rooted and grounded in a faith tradition passed down through generations \u2014 nurtured by my family, upheld by our ancestors. Truly, \u201cwe\u2019ve come this far by faith.\u201d And I still believe, \u201cthe family that prays together, stays together.\u201d<\/p>\n

So, to my beloved Hathaway family: Welcome to Baltimore. Welcome home.<\/p>\n

\u2014 Alvin C. Hathaway Sr., Baltimore<\/p>\n

Add your voice: Respond to this piece or other Sun content by\u00a0<\/i>submitting your own letter<\/i><\/a>.<\/i><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Alvin C. 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