SOMA Living June 2025

Family is the heart of the Penningtons’ lives. They have three children, including a son who passed away but left behind their only grandson so far. “Brad graduated from Rutgers Law, just like his father and uncles,” Christina shares with pride. Scott adds, “My son was the sixth generation of men in our family to finish law school.” Their daughters live nearby, with the youngest one floor above them. This arrangement reflects Christina’s upbringing in a multigenerational household, and she cherishes being present in her granddaughter’s everyday life. Genealogy is a shared passion. Scott traces his family history back to the 1500s. One notable ancestor, Lewis Freeman, was the wealthiest Black man in Chatham County, North Carolina, in 1800. Another, Robert T. Freeman, was the first Black man in America to earn a doctorate in dentistry from Harvard in 1868. These discoveries underscore the legacy of education and excellence that runs deep in the Pennington lineage. Christina’s family has its own legacy of connection, hosting reunions for 130 consecutive years in Durham, North Carolina, on Mother’s Day weekend—a tradition predating the official holiday. The family published two books honoring successive generations. The latest book highlighted her father’s story. The Penningtons’ lives reflect a profound dedication to family, education, and service. Their story stands as a testament to love, legacy, and the power of preserving history while laying a solid foundation for generations to come.

JUNE 2025 | SOMA LIVING 9

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