TABLE OF CONTENT Welcome Letter from Committee Chairman ………………… 3 2016 Reunion Theme ……………………….4 Letters of Recognition………………..5 - 6 Message about Family History ………………7 Patriarchs of the Family …………………..8 - 9 2016 Reunion Itinerary/Hotel Information ………………..10 - 11 Unity Dinner-Program ……………………..12 Family BBQ-Social - Park Information - Menu ………………. 14 - 16 Let’s Experience Chicago Day ………………….17 History of Chicago …………………18 What is Family Reunion………………19 Family Achievements & Newcomers…………..20 Cox-Smitherman Family History …………….21 - 27 Real Name …………………28 Committee Thank You………….29 Family Organizing Committee……………..30 Special Thanks ……………….31 Notes ……………………….32
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From the desk of your Chairman: Lance J. Cox Our Family Reunion time is here and now in the Windy City of Chicago!! In my beginning statement, I want to express my sincere thanks to our family reunion committee for a job well done and also allowing me to chair this great event and also all the input from our full committee to organize this event. We started this process some 10 months ago and NOW it has become a reality. It is a bittersweet but exciting time. I say bittersweet because all of our elder Cox’s, Arlington OP, Ulysses, Joe, James, Bernice, Gregory and Cedric have transitioned to a better place, but how happy and excited they would be if they could witness what we have put together this weekend. I say exciting because we have waited many years to organize a full reunion to bring our family together. On behalf of the Cox –Smitherman Family Committee, I would like to first give glory to God for allowing us to come together to celebrate our 2nd bi-annual family reunion where we will begin to learn more about our heritage and get to know each other as we begin a new tradition that will continue for generations to come. We’ve made it through many conference calls, emails and text messages. Our goal as a committee is to give you a reunion that reflects the beauty and love that we as a family share. This family reunion is a special time to reflect on the past, enjoy the present, and inspire the future. Our committee has worked hard and diligently to design a reunion that is memorable to each generation. We are excited to be in Chicago because there are many things we can collectively do together to have an unforgettable time. Finally, I want to thank everyone for your financial contributions because without finances we could not make this happen. Now! In the words of our beloved Arlington OP Cox… “Do Your Thang Cox-Smitherman Family!” Note: We have also reserved a hospitality room for 2 nights at the Embassy Suites where we can congregate, play games, have business meetings or any other non-scheduled family functions during this fabulous weekend. Love You All and look forward to meeting everyone in a few weeks.
Lance J. Cox Chairman Cox-Smitherman Committee
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COX-SMITHERMAN
Reunion 2016 Chicago, Ill. - Village of Lombard
Reunion Theme:
Preserving a Heritage, Continuing Our Legacy “Our Family Roots Run Deep” Definition of Heritage: Noun something that comes or belongs to one by reason of birth; an inherited lot or portion:
Definition of Legacy: Noun anything handed down from the past, as from an ancestor or predecessor:
Let’s Celebrate Our Family Heritage and Legacy!
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MESSAGE TO THE FAMILY Preserving a Heritage, Continuing Our Legacy… Calling to Enrich and Encourage Lives through Family History & Research We have taken on the responsibility of gathering our family history and archiving “Our-story.” In during this work it is and continues to be a selfless labor of love and devotion with many hours of - researching, compiling and communicating the Cox-Smitherman Family members. There is pride, periods of discovery and elements of perseverance and prosperity in every family’s history, particularly our Family lineage. Our family has a rich history and interconnectedness, a story every CoxSmitherman descendant should have the opportunity to hear, know and cherish. We are encouraging anyone who has photos, written information and documents, funeral programs other information chronicling Our-story, to consider sharing these documents with us. These documents are vital to our Family’s history and are equally valuable as articles for inclusion in our Family Archives; these records are crucial in aiding us to ‘fill in the blanks’ towards telling Our story. We also welcome any remembrances of parents, grandparents, greatgrandparents, great aunts, great uncles or any extended Cox-Smitherman Family members. Remembrances and family stories can be sent to directly to me via email or any other medium accessible. Your support and participation is greatly appreciated!
With integrity,
Rashid Bahati Family Historian & Archivist – Cox-Smitherman Reunion 2016
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WELCOME TO CHICAGO … Home of Awesome Food, Great Sports Teams & Jazz/Blues/R&B
Reunion Host Hotel:
Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Lombard Oak Brook 707 East Butterfield Road, Lombard, Illinois, 60148, USATEL: +1-630-969-7500 FAX: +1-630-969-8776
REUNION ITINERARY
DAY ONE 3pm - 5pm • •
Thursday - Meet and Greet @ Embassy Suites Lombard Hospitality Suite You will get your Reunion T-Shirts and Family Packets We will have some refreshments and beverages served during the Meet and Greet.
7pm - 10pm A Celebration of Family Opening Night @ The Golden Corral 381 Brookview Ln. Bolingbrook, IL 60440 • Official Family Opening Ceremonies & Buffet Dinner • Viewing of new family film “Images of a Family”
DAY TWO 11am - 7pm
Friday - BBQ at the Park! Wear your T-shirts York Woods County Forest Preserve Oak Brook, IL 60523 • Come Ready to EAT! Food; laughter, games and getting to know each other. Our family grill masters are Aisha, Damien, Brandon and Lance: • Games for children/Activities for adults
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DAY THREE 10am - 9pm
Saturday - We’ve Got Options!! A Trip to The DuSable African American Museum & Art/Crafts Festival 740 East 56th Place Chicago, Il 60637 Ph.773.947.060 http://www.dusablemuseum.org/ The DuSable Museum of African American History’s 42nd Annual Arts and Crafts Festival Saturday, July 9 – Sunday, July 10, 2016 FREE ADMISSION! Connecting Black Art and History – Celebrating Excellence Taste Of Chicago Grant Park Downtown Chicago • FREE Admission Saturday July 9 & July 10 Sunday http://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/taste_of_chicago.htm Night-On-The Town: Experience Local Night Life in Chicago – Optional Activity http://www.choosechicago.com/things-to-do/nightlife/
DAY FOUR Sunday - Open Day
HOTEL AT A GLANCE The Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Lombard Oak Brook hotel located near Oak Brook, IL offers an ideal location close to shopping, dining and entertainment at Yorktown Center and Oak Brook Center Mall. Located just 14 miles from Chicago O’Hare International Airport. Hotel Amenities: Free Breakfast Buffet, Fitness Center & More A wide array of amenities await Neal Family Reunion 2014 guests including an open-air atrium, in-house steakhouse, fitness center, a complimentary cooked-to-order breakfast each morning with a delicious selection of hot and cold breakfast items, and access to light beverages and snacks at the evening Manager’s Reception Cox-Smitherman Family Reunion Hospitality Room Embassy Suites has provided Reunion guests a hospitality room, located in (2nd Floor), for our use Thursday July 7 – Friday July 8 only. Parking, Arrival & Check-Out Complimentary shuttle service within 2 miles of the Embassy. The Hotel shuttle is available upon request, 7am to 10pm daily. Free self-parking available 24-7. Hotel check-in time is 4:00pm, with earlier check-in times for Hilton Honors members. Check-out time is 12:00pm.
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COX-SMITHERMAN Family Reunion 2016 A Celebration of Family
Preserving a Heritage, Continuing Our Legacy “Our Roots Run Deep” UNITY DINNER
Thursday, July 7, 2016 7:30pm – 10pm Golden Corral Honorary Master of Ceremonies: Broderick Senior Mistress & Master of Ceremonies: Latisha Blackburn & Christian Senior
Welcome to Chicago! City Recognition Letters Frances Newman – Chairperson Chicago Host Committee
Family Greeting & The Occasion
Lance Cox – Chairman Family Reunion Committee
Musical Selection
Grace “Gigi” Smitherman – Jazz Vocalist
Family History
Rashid Bahati – Family Historian & Archivist
Screening of Family Film “Images of a Family”
A Tribute to the Elders Nassoma Bahati
Family Achievements Shawnrica Cox
Closing Remarks Lance Cox
* Cox-Smitherman Anthem, “Ain’t No Stopping Us Now”
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COX-SMITHERMAN Family Reunion 2016 A Celebration of Family
Preserving a Heritage, Continuing Our Legacy “Our Roots Run Deep”
Family BBQ @ the Park Friday, July 8, 2016 York Woods Forest Reserve-Oakbrook IL. Location from southbound York Road, take Frontage Road west to Harger. Access to Frontage Road from northbound York Road is not allowed. Take York north to Roosevelt Road, and follow Roosevelt interchange to southbound York Road.
ACTIVITIES:
Guests of the 2016 Cox-Smitherman Family Reunion should plan to come with their energy levels high and their stomach’s empty! At the Center, guests will engage in a variety of outdoor family games, a kid-friendly, ball games and demonstrations from the renowned Down to Earth Riders, a full-court for basketball, and an indoor lunch catered by the World’s Greatest Barbecue authority, Lance Cox, Aisha Muhammad Barbecue™.
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COX-SMITHERMAN Family Reunion 2016 A Celebration of Family
Preserving a Heritage, Continuing Our Legacy “Our Roots Run Deep”
BBQ Buffet Menu Friday, July 8, 2016 at 11:00am
Chicago Style BBQ Chicken BBQ Pork Ribs Grilled and Juicy Hamburgers Grilled Bratwurst with Sauerkraut Array of Sliced Cheeses, Lettuce, Tomato, Onions, Relish & Hickory Pit Beans Creamy Coleslaw Potato Salad BBQ Sauce Buns and Breads Assorted Cobblers Cakes Fruit Salad Assorted Dessert Bars and Cookies Lemonade, Iced Tea and Water
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COX-SMITHERMAN Family Reunion 2016 A Celebration of Family
Preserving a Heritage, Continuing Our Legacy “Our Roots Run Deep”
“Let’s Experience the City” Saturday, July 8, 2016
A Family trip to The DuSable African American Museum & the Art/Crafts Festival
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Chicago History .
Jean Baptiste DuSable pictured below (Source: Chicago History Museum)
in Cahokia, Illinois in 1778.
The first permanent settler in Chicago was a black man named Jean Baptiste Point DuSable. He was born on the island of Haiti around 1745 to a French mariner and a mother who was a slave of African descent. DuSable was educated in France and then, in the early 1770s, sailed to New Orleans. From there, he made his way up the Mississippi River to Peoria, Illinois where he married a Potawatomi woman named Catherine in a tribal ceremony. The couple had two children, Jean Baptiste Point DuSable, Jr. and Suzanne. The marriage formally recognized before a Catholic priest
DuSable settled along the northern bank of the Chicago River near Lake Michigan ca. 1779 and developed a prosperous trading post and farm.His cabin is often depicted a modest structure, but written descriptions of the property suggest that DuSable may have lived more than a modest life. According to original manuscripts documenting the sale of DuSable’s property, the cabin was spacious, boasting a roomy salon with five rooms off each corner. The property featured a large stone fireplace, bake and smoke houses, stables and huts for employees, along with a fenced garden and orchard. Household furnishings included paintings, mirrors, and walnut furniture. At his trading post, DuSable served Native Americans, British, and French explorers. He spoke Spanish, French, English, and several Native American dialects, which served him well as an entrepreneur and mediator. DuSable sold his estate on May 7, 1800 and returned to Peoria, Illinois. He later moved to St. Charles, Missouri, where he died on August 28, 1818.
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The Family Reunion is… A Legacy, A Pastime, A Cherished & Sacred Tradition A time to remember, a time to laugh a time to celebrate… a time to share old stories, and make new memories A time to see each other in the faces all around us, and find reflections of ourselves in hearts both young and old
A Reunion Is…
A coming together that strengthens the bond of family and reminds us of the gift of belonging A chance to share our history A reason to celebrate our past A time to welcome our future…as a family By Kimberly Rinehart
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Family Achievements Celebrating the success of tomorrow’s leaders, today. Marissa Cox (Mother) Aurionne Cox - Graduated from HS this Spring and Is now attending Wake Tech College in the Nursing Program Aljuan Cox - Is currently Attending Wake Tech College - Apart of the CDL Program (Commercial Driver Program) Charmaine Cox (Mother) LaQuay Cox - Currently Attending Shaw University in Business & Public Administration Program Eboni Cox (Mother) Deja Minter - Recent HS Graduate Spring 16’ plans to attend Miles College Fall 16 Ronald and Aisha Muhammad (Parents) Rikiyah Muhammad - Recent HS Graduate ( Salutatorian ) - She will be attending University of Illinois * Full Scholarship Recipient * Ronald Muhammad is a recent graduate of the Fire Academy in Chicago
Newcomers A Special ‘Welcome’ to the Newest Members of the CoxSmitherman Family Jaxon Husser Born September 11, 2014 (Mother - Shawn Cox) McKenzie Parks Born May 25, 2016 (Mother - Tasheka Parks) Daughter of Lance and Linda Cox
We are all proud of our future leaders and new arrivals….
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THE COX-SMITHERMAN FAMILY HISTORY 1845 – 2016 Preserving a Heritage, Continuing Our Legacy “Our Family Roots Run Deep”
A Living, Thriving Legacy With marriages and births, the Cox-Smitherman FAMILY TREE continues to grow ensuring the continuity and strength of the family. Family members live across the nation from California to New York, Maryland, Virginia, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Michigan, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas, Arizona, and North Carolina. While we may be separated by geographical distance, a common bond and common ancestors connect us. Some may have a different surname, but they are still Cox-Smitherman nonetheless because their mother, grandmother, great-grandmother was born a Cox-Smitherman. Let us always remember our family ties as we proudly proclaim, “Yes, I am part of this legacy!”
Let’s look at our ancestry…
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THE SMITHERMAN FAMILY HISTORY 1845 – 2016 Preserving a Heritage, Continuing Our Legacy “Our Family Roots Run Deep”
The SMITHERMAN Family ancestry is rooted in the South specifically in the state of Alabama and during the institution of Slavery (see Slave Owner below). Our family's home place is Benson, Chilton, Alabama. BEN SMITHERMAN (abt 1845) and SARAH SMITHERMAN born in Virginia (abt 1844) were joined in Holy Matrimony in Benson, Chilton, Alabama. They would become parents to five children, one son JOHNSON (abt 1875) in Alabama the 4th child and four daughters, Mary, Anna, Ella and Evie. (See family chart below)
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THE SMITHERMAN FAMILY HISTORY 1845 – 2016 Preserving a Heritage, Continuing Our Legacy Johnson Smitherman Father & Mother Name: Age:
Ben Smitherman 35
Birth Year:
abt 1845
Birthplace:
Alabama
Home in 1880:
Benson, Chilton, Alabama
Race:
Black
Gender:
Male
Relation to Head of House: Marital Status: Spouse's Name: Father's Birthplace: Mother's Birthplace: Occupation:
Self (Head) Married Sarah Smitherman Virginia Alabama Farmer Name
Household Members:
Age
Ben Smitherman
35
Sarah Smitherman
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Mary Smitherman
18
Anna Smitherman
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Ella Smitherman
8
Johnson Smitherman
4
Evie Smitherman
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THE SMITHERMAN FAMILY HISTORY 1845 – 2016
JOHNSON SMITHERMAN – SARAH SMITHERMAN-MARY SMITHERMAN SIBLINGS (17)
John Ulcer Smitherman Ralph Smitherman George Smitherman Fairy Smitherman Clairette Smitherman Julius Smitherman Benjaman Smitherman Linell Smitherman Daisy Smitherman Henry C. Smitherman Delane Smitherman Ethel Mae Smitherman Gardy Smitherman Jane P. Smitherman Laura A. Smitherman Almedia Smitherman Joe Smitherman
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THE COX FAMILY HISTORY 1913 – 2016
Fairy Smitherman-Cox
K.D. Cox
The COX Family ancestry is rooted in the South specifically in the state of Alabama. Our family's home place is also Bibb County, Alabama. PERCY COX born date (Unknown) and LILLY SMELLY from New Orleans, Louisiana (ABT 1898) were joined in Holy Matrimony in Six Mile, Bibb County, Alabama 18 December 1913. They would become parents to two children, K.D. COX (abt 1914) in Bibb County, Alabama and WILBER COX. K.D. COX and FAIRY SMITHERMAN-COX marry and have five children (see family chart below).
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THE COX FAMILY HISTORY 1898 – 2016 K.D. COX PARENTS Name:
Lilly Miller
Birth Date:
4 Mar 1898
Birth Place:
New Orleans, Louisiana
Gender: Race: Father's name: Mother's name: Name: Birth Date:
Colored (Black) Daniel Miller Margaret Reason K D Cox abt 1914
Death Date:
4 Nov 1971
Death Place:
Fairfield, Jefferson, Alabama
Death Age: Marital Status: Gender: Father Name:
57 Married Male Percy Cox
Mother Name:
Lillie Smelley
Spouse Name:
Fairy Cox
FHL Film Number: Name: Gender:
2051657 Percy Cox Male
Marriage Date:
18 Dec 1913
Marriage Place:
Six Mile, Bibb, Alabama
Spouse: FHL Film Number:
Female
Lillie Smelly 1031255
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K.D. COX & FAIRY SMITHERMAN SIBLINGS (5) Arlington P. Cox Ulysses Cox Gwendolyn-Bernice Cox Joe Cox James Cox
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Ever wanted to know your REAL last Name? My Name is Fulani Amira Bahati. People always ask me my ethnicity and how my name came about. Both my parents were born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama. Yes, that’s right, not from Africa. When asked if I’m from Africa I never once say NO. Clearly, all of our ancestors are from The Motherland. So here’s the breakdown of how my name came about. My Fathers Family name; Anthony Cox and my Mothers maiden name; Colette Allen…So in actuality my Last name would be, Cox. However, I’ve been blessed with amazingly conscious parents who didn't have it. They no longer wanted to carry the name that once their grandparent's Slave owners gave to them. So they both changed there first and last names. Now known as Mr. and Mrs. Bahati. BAHATI =meaning: Good fortune in Swahili. They brought forth seven beautiful children. After their 4th child, they made the decision to change their names. I still have older siblings who the last name remains “Cox” on their birth certificate. Sucks for them… LOL. I’m the youngest out of seven and honestly, when I was born; they had this name thing on lock. I clearly have the best name in my family LOL. If it weren’t for my parents being aware… my name would probably be Ashley Monae Cox or Brittany Nicole Cox. No disrespect to the Ashley’s and Brittany’s out there, but hey, I’m BLESSED. But, I’ve always wondered my ancestor’s actual Last name before taken into slavery. Always wondered what royalty of Families I’m from. How f***ed up is, that we don’t even know our real last names. Ever thought about that? So why not recreate your own powerful last night and build a Dynasty. With my parents selecting Bahati they were reclaiming our cultural identity for our family. The Bahati’s are coming along quite well, with grand children and all.
- Fulani Amira Bahati, Professional Dancer
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Cox-Smitherman To All Family Siblings …A chosen people… What more can we possibly say? We come from spiritually royal and historically remarkable roots. We gather together to celebrate so many things – our ancestors, new accomplishments, the transition of loved ones, and to rekindle, better yet – to remember and carry on memories from times present and times past. Our coming together, at this time is one of years in the making. Furthermore, it can only continue and thrive through the selfless prayers, helping hands and monetary support of all of you – our family. For all of you who have traveled to Chicago - Lombard, Illinois to celebrate this momentous occasion, we deeply thank you. Your desire to bond with loved ones and to embrace the expansion and achievements of an ever-flourishing family is what makes the Cox-Smitherman Family Reunion so rewarding and special. It is our hope you will look back at your time here in Chicago with a newfound energy and warmth in your soul – an emotional and spiritual sensation filled with love, fellowship and a joyous time. See you all at our next reunion…have safe travels home.
- Cox-Smitherman Planning Committee
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COX-SMITHERMAN 2016 Family Reunion Committee Members To our Cox-Smitherman Planning and Organizing Committee Members who spent tireless hours praying for, working toward and coordinating various activities leading up to July 7-10, we sincerely thank you, we appreciate you and we so grateful for your servant-hood toward this Family Reunion. Committee Chairman
Lance Cox (Atlanta) Committee Co-Chair/Committee Secretary
Iman Bahati (Los Angeles) Host Committee Chair
Frances Newman-Senior (Chicago) Host Committee Members
Aisha Muhammad (Chicago) Lekita Newman (Chicago) Committee Treasurer
Damien Hartfield (Arizona) Planning Committee Advisors
Broderick Senior (Los Angeles) Venita Senior (Los Angeles) Rashid Bahati (Los Angeles) Family Archivist & Historian
Rashid Bahati (Los Angeles) Family BBQ/Social Committee
Lance Cox Aisha Muhammad Damien Hartfield Â
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Special Thanks: Family History Angeline Smitherman-Harmon (Mississippi) Timothy Smitherman-Pelham (Texas) African American Genealogy Society (AAGS) Brother Sam Muhammad (Los Angeles) Reunion Logistics Sidney Taylor (Chicago) Deidra Senior (Chicago) Muhammad Family (Chicago) Newman Family (Chicago) Senior Family (Atlanta/Chicago/Los Angeles) Bahati Family (Los Angeles)
“Image of a Family” the Film Jon Dubard – Voiceover Narration Grace Smitherman – Executive Producer
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Start making your plans now for Los Angeles in 2018!!
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