HR0997 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0997 LRB104 22610 ECR 39057 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives wish to congratulate the Johnson, Buckner, Hudson, and Wiggins Family Reunion on the occasion of its 70th anniversary and to recognize its remarkable tradition of faith, family, historical preservation, and service; and

WHEREAS, The Johnson, Buckner, Hudson, and Wiggins Family Reunion (the Reunion) was founded on July 4, 1956 by family elders who believed that each generation should understand its history, honor its ancestors, and preserve the bonds connecting the family; and

WHEREAS, For seven decades, the Reunion has brought together generations of descendants to celebrate their shared heritage, strengthen family relationships, document their genealogy, and ensure that the sacrifices and accomplishments of their ancestors are remembered; and

WHEREAS, The Johnson, Buckner, Hudson, and Wiggins family history is rooted in four foundational African American lineages, including Robert Johnson, who was born in Africa in 1820 and is remembered for his courage, faith, and devotion to family, Rolly Buckner, who was born in Rankin, Mississippi in 1810 and became the matriarch of the Buckner lineage, Charles Hudson, who was born in Tennessee in 1815, and Mariah Ellis, who was born in Maryland in 1811 and whose descendants helped establish the Wiggins lineage; and

WHEREAS, The Johnson, Buckner, Hudson, and Wiggins families were united through generations of marriages, beginning with the marriage of the Reverend Clarence Buckner and Julia Johnson in approximately 1901 and continuing through numerous unions that joined the four family lineages into the enduring family celebrated today; and

WHEREAS, Pleasant Gift Church served as the spiritual home of the Reunion from 1956 through 1992; the church was founded by the Reverend Clarence Buckner and was later pastored for more than 49 years by his son, the Reverend Robert Buckner; and

WHEREAS, In 1992, the family expanded the Reunion into a full weekend gathering in Oak Brook, Illinois, and it has since convened in communities throughout the United States, in Puerto Rico, aboard a family cruise, and through virtual gatherings and socially distanced family celebrations during the COVID-19 pandemic; and

WHEREAS, The family has preserved an extensive historical record, including genealogical research, oral histories, church archives, military records, photographs, and other documents connecting present-day descendants to the generations who preceded them; and

WHEREAS, The family's commitment to preserving its history and supporting future generations continues through the JBHW Foundation, Inc., which promotes genealogy, education, scholarships, community service, and the preservation of the family's collective legacy; and

WHEREAS, The descendants of the Johnson, Buckner, Hudson, and Wiggins family have distinguished themselves as educators, theologians, pharmacists, attorneys, elected officials, mayors, executives, teachers, social workers, public policy advocates, law enforcement officers, members of every branch of the United States Armed Forces, nonprofit leaders, members of the clergy, musicians, entertainers, entrepreneurs, inventors, engineers, scientists, healthcare professionals, and leaders in numerous other fields; and

WHEREAS, The achievements of the Johnson, Buckner, Hudson, and Wiggins family reflect generations of perseverance, educational excellence, innovation, servant leadership, spiritual devotion, and commitment to strengthening communities throughout Illinois and across the nation; and

WHEREAS, From July 17 through July 19, 2026, descendants from across the country will gather at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City in Arlington, Virginia for the Reunion's platinum anniversary celebration entitled "A Platinum Celebration: 70 Years Rooted in History, United in Love"; and

WHEREAS, The family's return to the Virginia and Washington, D.C. metropolitan region is especially meaningful due to much of its documented history in the United States beginning in that region; and

WHEREAS, Reunion Leader Pamela White Curb, Chief Historian Donald Hudson Sr., and generations of family leaders and volunteers have worked diligently to preserve the Reunion and to ensure that the family's history continues to educate and inspire future generations; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate the Johnson, Buckner, Hudson, and Wiggins Family Reunion on its 70th anniversary, recognize the family's extraordinary commitment to faith, unity, historical preservation, education, and service, and wish its members continued fellowship and success for generations to come; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the Johnson, Buckner, Hudson, and Wiggins Family Reunion as an expression of our esteem and admiration.