Around and About New Jersey: Still Family Reunion

For more than 120 years the Still family has been holding reunions. In recent years they have gathered in the town of Lawnside, Camden County, which was founded as a refuge for escaped slaves. The reunion is an occasion for expressions of pride in the Still family's African-American history.
The day begins with a church service at the Mt. Zion United Methodist Church. After church, the family gathers at the home of Clarence and Verline Still. A group of visiting students help the family prepare traditional foods such as pork and chicken barbecue, collard greens, and sweet-potato pie.
Gloria Still, the family storyteller, recounts how their ancestor, Charity Still, ran away from slavery in Maryland to join her husband Levin Still, who had purchased his freedom from his owner and settled in New Jersey. Years later Charity Still was reunited with her son, Peter, whom she had been forced to leave behind. Peter eventually managed to buy his own freedom and later that of his family. We also learn about his two brothers born in New Jersey -- William Still, who became active in the Underground Railroad in Philadelphia; and James Still, who was a self-taught herbalist in Medford.
The reunion ends with a toast to freedom as everyone joins together in the "Electric Slide," a popular dance.
For a teachers guide go to:
www.state.nj.u...