Humble Beginnings

In the early 1990's Emma Jean Downing had the idea to have a family reunion after attending a funeral of a dear family member. She wondered why we could only gather for sad occasions. She wanted the family to come together for joyous occasions. She shared the idea with her sister Anner Downing Brown. Anner shared the idea with their brother Jimmie Downing.  The concept grew and grew...which lead to the first reunion on July 4-5, 1991 in Union Springs, AL and Montgomery, AL.   Twenty years later, the reunion has grown bigger, better, and stronger.

We are pleased to announce the Incorporation of Jenkins Biennial Family Reunion
as a Non-Profit Organization (June 2015).


Reunions Past

Date: July 4-5, 1991
Location: Union Springs and Montgomery, AL
Theme: Generations
Hosts: Anner Downing Brown, Emma Jean Downing, and Jimmie Downing

Date:  July 3-4,1993
Location: Lakeland, FL
Theme:  A Family Affair
Hosts: Anner Downing Brown, Emma Jean Downing, and Jimmie Downing

Date:  June 24-26, 1995
Location:  Anderson, Indiana
Theme:  Together As One
Hosts: Lois Jenkins Ivey, Mary Jenkins Turpin, and Tommy Jenkins Sr

Date:  June 27-29, 1997
Location: Atlanata, GA
Theme:  Celebrating Family
Hosts: Kelvin Rivers, Catherine Rivers, Katina Rivers, Fred Rivers and Lessie Rivers

Date:  June 25-27, 1999
Location:  Montgomery, AL
Theme:  Take Me Back
Hosts: Annie Jenkins, Katina Rivers, and Lessie Rivers

Date:  June 29-July 1, 2001
Location:  Rochester, NY
Theme: Flesh of My Flesh, Bone of My Bone
Hosts:  James Jr Jenkins, Clinton Downing, and Charles Downing

Date:  June 27-29, 2003
Location:  Orlando, FL
Theme:  Family Gathering
Hosts:  Jimmie Downing and Emma Jean Downing

Date:  June 29-July 1, 2007
Location:  Daytona Beach, FL
Theme:  Keeping the Family 2gether
Hosts:  Henry and Deborah Jenkins

Date:  June 26-28,2009
Location:  Memphis, TN
Theme:  Together Again
Hosts:  Kelvin and Shannon Rivers

Date: July 8-11, 2011
Location: Bahamian Cruise
Theme: Family Sail-a-bration!
Hosts: Gary and Crystal Beharie

 

Date: June 28-30, 2013

Location: Mobile, AL

Theme:  We Are 1

Hosts: Jimmie Lee and Sheryl Downing

Date: June 26-28, 2015
Location: Myrtle Beach, SC
Theme: Celebrating Our Heritage
Hosts: Cynthia Downing, Minnie McCune Dorismond, and Antonio Williams

Date: June 30 -  July 2, 2017
Location: Washington, DC
Theme: One Love...One Family
Hosts: Clinton Downing and David Jenkins Jr

Date: June 28-30, 2019
Location: Charlotte, North Carolina
Theme: Show Your Roots
Hosts: Maurice Downing, Angel Downing Southward, and Anner Downing Brown

Reunion 2021 Was Cancelled Due to the Worldwide Covid-19 Pandemic

Date: June 30 - July 2, 2023
Location: Tampa, FL
Theme: We Are Because They Were Who They Were
Hosts:  Clinton Downing, Minnie Mccune Turner, and Jimmie Lee Downing Sr