Newport Rec Reunion

10/10/2026

Newport Rec Reunion Association

A Call for Leadership & Committee Members -- PLEASE APPLY BY NOVEMBER 15, 2026!

The Newport Rec Reunion Association is preparing for a very special milestone — 50th Anniversary of the Rec Reunion in 2029.

A celebration of this magnitude will require strong leadership, dedicated volunteers, fresh ideas, and an extraordinary team committed to honoring the history and legacy of the Newport Rec Reunion.
We are currently seeking individuals interested in serving in the following capacities:
• President
• Vice President
• Secretary
• Committee Members
• Individuals willing to serve in other supportive roles

We are calling on past committee members, new committee members, longtime supporters, and members of the Newport community who are willing to dedicate their time, talents, leadership, and ideas to help set the tone for this extraordinary occasion.

If You Are Interested in Serving and/or if you have any ideas
Please send your interest, ideas and contact information to: [email protected]

Please include:
1. Your Name and Contact Information
2. The Position You Are Interested In
o President
o Vice President
o Secretary
o Committee Member
3. Your Ideas for the 50th Rec Reunion

This is more than planning another reunion. We are preparing to celebrate 50 years of family, friendship, community, memories, and a tradition that has connected generations of Newport families.

The 50th Anniversary deserves leadership that understands where we have been, appreciates where we are today, and is willing to help shape where we go next. This cannot be done by a single person; it will take the community collaboration.

Let’s come together, build an extraordinary team, and make the 50th Rec Reunion a celebration that generations will forever remember!!

[email protected]

09/09/2026

09/08/2026

📚 CALLING ALL NEWPORT COMMUNITY AUTHORS! 📚

If you are from the Newport African American or Cape Verdean community and have written a book of any genre, I would love to hear from you!

I am looking for community authors who were born in Newport or have written books about Newport and/or our community, from 1950 to the present.

✨ Your story. Your talent. Your book. Our history.

I am working on an idea that will highlight the incredible literary talent within our community and showcase the books and stories that have helped document our history, culture, experiences, and legacy.

If you are an author — or know someone who should be included — please INBOX me a link to your book(s) to [email protected]

Please share this post and help me reach as many Newport authors as possible!

Let’s shine a light on our authors and the stories they have given our community. ❤️📚

Terri L. DeWitt Lawrence

09/05/2026

I’m back in Georgia and reflecting on the 2026 Rec Reunion, and my heart is full. ❤️

Thank you to everyone who helped make the weekend absolutely fantastic! It was such a joy to see so many people happy, laughing, reconnecting, and simply enjoying time together. Those moments are what the Rec Reunion is all about. ❤️

As with any event, there is always a list of things we can improve. We received several suggestions, and they will be carefully considered as we look toward the future. And, as we all know, even the best-laid plans can encounter unexpected obstacles.

With that said, I want to personally give a VERY SPECIAL THANK YOU to Ernest DeWitt, Lamar Edwards, Stephen Putman, and Terrence Monterio. When one of our committee members failed to fulfill their obligation and commitment, these four men stepped up and filled the gap without hesitation. You men are truly AWESOME! 🙌🏾 Your willingness to jump in, help, and do whatever was needed made a tremendous difference. Because of you, the weekend continued to move forward and became the huge success that it was.

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! ❤️

Your support, commitment, and willingness to serve will not be forgotten by me—or by the many people who attended and enjoyed the 2026 Rec Reunion.

Until we meet again…

We lived. We learned. We laughed. We loved. We remember. ❤️

— Terri L. DeWitt Lawrence
2025-2026 President, Newport Rec Reunion Association

08/23/2026

Honoring 2 of our most distinguished community leaders Ms. Pauline "Perkins" Moye and Ms. Victoria "Nalle" Johnson

08/18/2026

2026 Newport Rec Reunion - Where We Began

The 2026 Newport Rec Reunion Committee sincerely apologizes for the cancellation of two Monday events: the Town Hall Meeting and Hooping It Up at the MLK basketball courts.

Unfortunately, the lead coordinator for the basketball games and other key elements of the weekend withdrew on a very short notice. We thank Larry Dupree, who did attend and provide music at the courts. We extend a heartfelt apology to everyone who came, especially the children who were looking forward to a full day of fun.

Attendance at the basketball games was intended to help draw participants to the Town Hall Meeting. Rain then began, and an additional urgent matter requiring immediate attention ultimately led to the Town Hall's cancellation.

We sincerely apologize to the scheduled Town Hall speakers - Mrs. Fern Lima, Mrs. Victoria Johnson, Ellen Pinnock, and Angela Lima - and, most importantly, to everyone affected by the lack of timely communication regarding the cancellation. Monday's circumstances created an unfortunate snowball effect that disrupted both events.

Future Rec Reunion planners are urged to choose their teams carefully and to clearly understand each person's level of commitment to the success of every planned event. Protecting the traditions, values, and legacy of the Rec Reunion requires dependable teamwork and shared responsibility. Lesson learned!

We also extend our gratitude to Ernest DeWitt, Akeia de Barros Gomes, Terrence Monterio, Lamar Edwards, and Stephen Putnam for contributing their time, effort, and labor to mediate and resolve issues throughout the weekend.

Despite Monday's challenges, the love, connections, friendships, and legacy-building experienced at the Meet & Greet, Family Day, Sunday Brunch, and Sunday Dance made the 2026 Newport Rec Reunion one we will remember with joyful smiles.
Thank you to everyone who attended from near and far.

We lived. We learned. We laughed. We loved. We remember!