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Benjamin & Edith Spaulding Descendants Family Reunion
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he 32nd Anniversary of the Benjamin & Edith Jacobs Spaulding Reunion was held in Asheville, North Carolina. The theme was “Strengthening the Bonds and Maintaining Family Unity.” The North Carolina Region Planning Committee set goals to make the reunion one of the most exciting and action-packed ever, provide a variety of activities appealing to all age groups, and focus on maintaining family strength and unity in the future. The support base for planning was broadened to include representatives from the Board of Directors of the Spaulding Family Foundation (BESDF) and volunteers living outside North Carolina who were recruited to serve on committees. Milton Campbell, President and Chairman of the Spaulding 2014 Reunion, said the challenge of planning this reunion was invigorating and a real pleasure. The Spaulding Family Reunion provides an opportunity for family members to get together, to establish and maintain relationships, and explore the heritage that makes the family unique. This reunion established new traditions that will sustain
The Benjamin and Edith Spaulding Descendants Association unveiled a museum-size Family Exhibit that captured the Spaulding family’s rich cultural and historical heritage. It included photographs, researched profiles, graphic displays, and family artifacts; and identified family legends who excelled in the late 1800s against apparent insurmountable odds of racial segregation, poverty and “Jim Crowism.” It also showcased family members who have continued that legacy through extraordinary achievements and commitment to excellence. The Family Exhibit was researched, developed and presented by Cousin Aaron Campbell, Sr., of Watchung, New Jersey, a 6th generation descendant of Benjamin and Edith Spaulding.
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Winners of the Spaulding Family Reunion Feud.
Spaulding family unity for years to come. Spaulding descendants have made invaluable contributions to the family, community and nation, and it is well understood that this legacy, set forth by their forefathers, must continue. The Benjamin & Edith Spaulding Descendants Association, Inc. (BESDA, Inc.), and The Benjamin & Edith Spaulding Descendants Foundation, Inc. (BESDF, Inc.), were established in 2003 and 1997, respectively. A combined Board of Directors manages the activities and initiatives of the family association and foundation. A copy of meeting minutes are archived on the family website. Family Association Initiatives include Family Health Network, Family Directory, Regional organizations, Family Reunion Planning, Family Awards Program, Educational Scholarships, Promotional Video and Family Oral History Project, Media press kit, Family Website. While all the family association initiatives are important, here are details about several: • Family Health Network. The family health network initiative is intended to assist in addressing family health problems. They established a relationship with Duke University that conducted health fairs at the 2002, 2006 and 2010 family reunions. This initiative also has updated the family tree of over 5,500 family descendants, to include 9th and 10th generations. • Regional Organizations. The family established regional organizations in the North Atlantic, Mid-Atlantic, DC Metro Area,