Black Family Reunion Celebrates 70 Years of History
The Johnson, Buckner, Hudson & Wiggins family has gathered every year since 1956, preserving genealogical records tracing back to ancestors born in the 1800s. This July, descendants nationwide will celebrate their platinum anniversary in Virginia, where much of their American story began. ##
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For 70 years, one African American family has done something remarkable: they've shown up for each other, every single year, to honor where they came from and celebrate where they're going.
The Johnson, Buckner, Hudson & Wiggins (JBHW) family reunion began on July 4, 1956, at Pleasant Gift Church in Virginia. While most family reunions fade after a generation or two, this one has thrived for seven decades.
From July 17 to 19, 2026, descendants from across the nation will gather at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City in Arlington, Virginia. Returning to Virginia holds special meaning because that's where much of their documented American story began.
The family's legacy connects four foundational lineages. Robert Johnson was born in Africa in 1820. Rolly Buckner was born in Mississippi in 1810. Charles Hudson's son Charlie enlisted in the Union Army's 58th United States Colored Infantry Regiment in 1864. The Wiggins lineage traces to Mariah Ellis, born in Maryland in 1811.
These families united through generations of marriages. Around 1901, Rev. Clarence Buckner married Julia Johnson, creating the first documented connection between the Johnson and Buckner families.
What makes this reunion extraordinary isn't just its longevity. The family has preserved extensive genealogical records, oral histories, church archives, military records, photographs, and historical documents connecting today's descendants to their earliest American ancestors.
"Our family history is not simply something we remember—it is something we actively preserve," said Donald Hudson, Chief Historian of the JBHW Family Reunion. "Every reunion reconnects generations, documents our genealogy, and ensures our ancestors' stories continue to inspire those who follow."
From 1956 through 1992, the reunion was held annually at Pleasant Gift Church. In 1992, they expanded to weekend gatherings in Oak Brook, Illinois, and have since met across the United States, Puerto Rico, and even on a family cruise.
Even during COVID-19, they found ways to stay connected through virtual reunions and socially distanced family cookouts.
The Ripple Effect
Today's JBHW descendants include educators, theologians, pharmacists, attorneys, mayors, Fortune 500 executives, teachers, social workers, members of every branch of the U.S. Armed Forces, pastors, musicians, entrepreneurs, engineers, nurses, scientists, and fashion designers. Their accomplishments reflect generations of perseverance and educational excellence.
The family's commitment to preserving their legacy continues through the JBHW Foundation, which promotes family history, scholarships, education, and community service.
"For seventy years, our reunion has honored our past while inspiring future generations to carry our legacy forward," said Pamela White Curb, Reunion Leader.
As this family returns to Virginia to celebrate seven decades together, they prove that knowing where you came from gives you the strength to build something that lasts.
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Based on reporting by Google: reunion family
This story was written by BrightWire based on verified news reports.
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