Our family reunion is more than a gathering—it’s a celebration of who we are, where we’ve been, and the path that lies ahead. We come together not only to enjoy each other’s company but also to remember. To remember the stories of our ancestors, to honor the long-standing tradition of passing down our history from one generation to the next. Through spoken word and shared memories, we keep alive the knowledge of where we came from and what makes us who we are. It is our duty to ensure that each generation understands the struggles and triumphs that define us. In honoring our family’s journey, we proudly preserve our heritage, keeping it vibrant and alive for all those who follow.
Our Roots: A Legacy Begins
The Garnes family’s story in this country reaches back to a time long ago, when our earliest ancestors—Henry Gharns, born in 1815 in La Grange, Georgia, and his wife, Hannah Herdon, born in 1839—planted the seeds of this great family. During the presidency of James Madison and the era of Frederick Douglass, they laid the foundation upon which we now stand. Their son, Sylvester Garnes, born in Georgia in 1856, carried this legacy forward through his 16 children, and it is from him that each of us descends. Today, it’s estimated that more than 1,300 souls walk this earth as living descendants of Henry, Hannah, and Sylvester. As we prepare to celebrate 215 years of our family’s presence in this country, we honor the generations that came before us and embrace the remarkable journey that brought us here today.
Discovering Our Family’s Journey
As time marches on, we continue to learn more about the lives and sacrifices of our ancestors. Each discovery, every story we uncover, deepens our connection to who we are. All of the names we bear today stem from the great root—the name Garnes—reminding us that we are branches of the same strong tree, grown through centuries of perseverance and triumph. Our family has witnessed the unfolding of history in America—moments that shaped this land and impacted Black Americans directly. And through it all, we have stood strong, carrying forward the spirit of resilience, knowing that our place in this nation’s story is vital.
The Garnes family has not merely watched history pass by; we have lived through it, survived it, and thrived. From the days of emancipation, through the trials of the Civil Rights Movement, to today’s continued quest for equality, our family has met every challenge with grace and strength. Though we are not without our flaws, it is our ability to overcome and support one another that makes us truly remarkable. With every new generation, we continue to grow, connected across the nation, carrying forward the legacy of Sylvester Garnes and his 16 children, whose roots have spread far and wide.
As we gather, let us not only look to the past but also to the future. For it is our family’s legacy that continues to shape who we are and where we are going. Every story we share, every laugh, every hug—these moments remind us that we are not just a family of the past, but a family of the future. Together, we will grow, we will thrive, and we will carry forward the spirit of the Garnes family—stronger, more united, and ready to meet whatever tomorrow may bring. For we know that we are a family born of resilience, imperfections and all, and that strength will carry us forward through the generations to come.