33rd Family Reunion
Reunion Weekend in Atlanta
July 24 to 26, 2026. Below is the full weekend, the dress code for each event, where to stay, and answers to the questions cousins ask most.
The schedule
Every event, with dress code
Hugs, Handshakes and Homecoming
Meet and Greet
Time: 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Location: Embassy Suites by Hilton Atlanta Airport, 4700 Southport Road, College Park, GA 30337
Atlanta Adventure Express
City Exploration Tour (bus)
Time: Bus pickup at the hotel 8:00 AM, downtown departs 10:30 AM
Location: Downtown Atlanta, by bus
The bus head count is a separate yes or no question on the form. Cal needs an exact number for the bus.
Cookout, Soul and Family Ties
Family BBQ
Time: 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Location: College Park Woman's Club, Camellia Hall, 3413 Main Street, College Park, GA 30337
The Knox/Hamner Red and White Banquet
Dinner Reception
Time: Bus pickup at the hotel 6:30 PM, banquet 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Location: College Park Woman's Club, Camellia Hall, 3413 Main Street, College Park, GA 30337
Faith, Family and Favor
Sunday Service
Time: 11:00 AM
Location: College Park Woman's Club, Camellia Hall, 3413 Main Street, College Park, GA 30337
Lunch with Family and Business Meeting
Farewell Luncheon
Time: 1:00 PM
Location: College Park Woman's Club, Camellia Hall, 3413 Main Street, College Park, GA 30337
Celebrating our legacy, strengthening our future
Dinner Reception Program
- 1
Welcome and Opening
Welcome everyone and introduce the evening. Share our theme and program overview.
- 2
Opening Prayer
A moment of prayer and blessing for our family and time together.
- 3
Dinner Service
Enjoy a delicious meal while reconnecting with family and sharing memories.
- 4
Family Recognition and Awards
Recognize special family members and present awards to celebrate our unique family.
- 5
Entertainment
Enjoy fun activities, performances, and special presentations.
- 6
Closing Remarks
Thank everyone for joining us and share important announcements.
- 7
Fellowship and Music
Continue the celebration with music, dancing, and making more memories.
Our roots run deep, our love runs deeper.
Our history. Our heritage. Our legacy.
The Story We Carry Forward
This history is reproduced from the 2026 reunion program. It is presented separately from the searchable family tree while the committee reconciles dates and source records.
The history of Atlanta
The Gate City of the South
Founded in 1837 as the terminus of the Western and Atlantic Railroad, Atlanta was originally known as Terminus. The city quickly grew into a major railroad hub and a center of commerce, earning the nickname “The Gate City of the South.” Today, Atlanta is a vibrant, diverse metropolis and the capital of Georgia, known for its culture, innovation, and Southern hospitality.
Black history facts
A city shaped by Black excellence
- Atlanta played a vital role in the Civil Rights Movement. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was born in Atlanta, and his leadership changed the world.
- Ebenezer Baptist Church, where Dr. King served as co-pastor with his father, remains a historic landmark.
- Atlanta is home to Morehouse College, Spelman College, Clark Atlanta University, and Morris Brown College, institutions that have educated and empowered generations of Black leaders.
- The city continues to honor Black excellence through its contributions in business, education, the arts, sports, and beyond.
Our family history
Thomas Knox and Ardelia Hamner
Thomas Knox, born November 23, 1881, and Ardelia Hamner, born February 27, 1895, united in matrimony on March 13, 1904 before God. They were destined by God's plan.
Their union brought forth eight children, four boys and four girls, beginning with their first child, Rob Helen, born May 27, 1905. Their children continue to expand the family through their unions.
Their children
- Helen8 children
- Thomas16 children
- James2 children
- Festus1 child
- Lizzie4 children
- Loueva3 children
- Ida Mae0 children
- Benjamin3 children
On June 16, 1928, Ardelia Hamner Knox was taken from the family, leaving her husband Tom and their eight children. Before God took Thomas Sr., he had a chance to see many of his grandchildren.
In addition to Ardelia Hamner, other descendants of Joseph Hamner Sr. have been a wonderful part of our family. From the union with his first wife, Callie Beatrice, were four children: Bennet, Armstead, Ardelia, and Dudley. From the union with his second wife came Sherman, Mary Lou, Elizabeth, Gertrude, Mose, Joseph Jr., Annabel, Boose, and Mabel.
Descendants of Armstead and Joseph Jr. are active participants in the family reunion. Joseph Jr.'s descendants include Evelyn, who had six children, and JoAnn, who had three children.
We walk by faith, stand on legacy, and build for generations to come.
Where to stay
Embassy Suites by Hilton Atlanta Airport
4700 Southport Road, College Park, GA 30337
Group code: CESKHF
Use the link below to reserve inside the family block at the group rate. If you need help with an existing reservation, ask the hotel desk or a family organizer.
Book the group block at HiltonGood to know
Frequently asked questions
Is reunion registration still open?+
No. Reunion registration closed Sunday, June 29, 2026, and the event is now in progress. Use Quick family sign up to join the year-round family network without changing meal counts or payment records.
How do I book my hotel room?+
Book directly with the Embassy Suites Atlanta Airport using our group code CESKHF. Use the one-click link on this page so you land on our family block.
What are the payment options?+
You can pay by Zelle, PayPal, or a mailed check or money order. The payment page lists every handle and address. The site does not take your money directly; you send it to the family treasurers.
I cannot log in. What do I do?+
Use your personal password or choose Email me a code to receive a six-digit sign-in code. If you have not created a password yet, choose Set up or reset my password. If your email is not recognized, tell us who you are and the site will connect your account immediately.
Will there be transportation?+
Yes. A bus runs Saturday morning for the downtown city tour and again Saturday evening for the banquet. Existing bus assignments are based on the final registration list. Ask the welcome desk if you need help.
Someone in my household needs mobility help. Who do I tell?+
Please tell the welcome desk or email knox.hamner@gmail.com so the planning committee can help with seating, accessible transport, or another immediate need.