BRUNSON
FAMILY
REUNION
CHICAGO, IL
Brunson Family Reunion
Hyde Park, Chicago, Illinois
July 18-20, 2025
Welcome
Like the O'Jays said, "It's been a long, long time since we had a chance to get together" —25 years to be exact.
Well, 2025 marks the return of the Brunson Family Reunion!
From McNab, Arkansas to Chicago, Detroit, to Denver and Columbus, our roots run deep, strong, and proud.
This Summer marks a return to the city where our roots run deep, street numbers hold meaning, and family gatherings are like Homecoming. Our family migrated to Chicago 100 years ago, a place where many of us were born, grew up or return to occasionally. We're celebrating this gathering with the tradition and spirit that high schools and HBCUs bring to homecoming celebrations (think good music, tailgates, long hugs, dancing, strolling, rollcalls, games, and so much more). We've planned a weekend packed with fun, food, and family memories. From the littlest cousins to the "OGs", there's something for everybody, okay?!
As we gather once again, we invite you to fully participate in all aspects of this reunion—explore our family history, connect with relatives both familiar and new, and contribute your own stories to our collective narrative. So, mark your calendars for July 18-20, 2025 and get ready to celebrate our family—past, present and future.
With love,
Jourdan and the 2025 Brunson Family Reunion Planning Committee
Join Us for the Reunion
- • Child (Ages 4-13): $75
- • Student (Ages 14-23): $125
- • Adult (Ages 24-64): $175
- • Senior (Ages 65+): $150
- • Children 3 & under: Free
- • Installment plans available
- • Registration fees due by May 1, 2025
- • Deposits are non-refundable
- • Registrations transferable if paid in full
- • Turning 65 in 2025? Register at senior rate!
- • Digital family photo album access
- • Free & discounted outings
- • Welcome reception
- • Saturday family brunch
- • Saturday Banquet Dinner
- • T-shirt (if deposit paid by 1/31)
Hotel Information
The Study at University of Chicago
1227 E 60th Street | Chicago, IL 60637
Rate: $229/night
Booking info available upon RSVP
Itinerary
Friday, July 18
5:30 PM - 8:30 PM: Welcome Reception
Kennicott Park
Saturday, July 19
11:30 AM - 2:30 PM: Family Picnic
Midway Plaisance Park
6:00 PM - 10:00 PM: Homecoming Banquet
Sunday, July 20
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Optional Farewell Brunch
Location TBA
The Brunson Story
Our Matriarch
Our Matriarch, Catherine "Katie" Lomax was born on May 20, 1859, near Abbeville, South Carolina, the 12th child born to Betsy and Solomon Lomax Sr. During enslavement, Katie and her family were forcibly migrated from South Carolina to Southwest Arkansas. We know that her brothers Solomon Jr and Israel Lomax and sister Harriet Lomax Moss also lived in Hempstead County, Arkansas.
A Union of Legacy
Katie married Willis Brunson on February 22, 1874, in Saratoga, Arkansas. Willis, born February 1, 1852, was a farmer and eventual landowner, dedicated to education and community.
The Great Migration
Some of Willis and Katie's descendants remained in Arkansas, while others left during the Great Migration for places like Chicago, Detroit, Denver, Columbus and Los Angeles.
Chicago Roots
Hattie Brunson and family established themselves in Chicago, representing one of many branches of the family that spread across the country while maintaining strong connections.
A Generation Apart
In the 25 years since our last reunion, a new generation has blossomed. While some family members graduated, moved across the country, and started their own families, others joined our ancestors. This period reminds us why staying connected is vital to our legacy.
Explore Our Family Tree
Family Relationship Calculator
Enter two family members to discover how they're related
Memories
Family Recipe
From the Brunson Family Collection
Share your favorite family recipes to be included in our first Brunson Family Heritage Cookbook including recipes, photos, and family history!
Family Photo Archive
Browse through our collection of family photos spanning generations.
Coming May 15
