The Johnson-Harris Annual Family Reunion tradition originated in Crossette, Arkansas in 1958, even during covid the family met over zoom. This year the 68th annual was held in Milwaukee, WI , hosted by Ben Johnson and his daughters, Jan Johnson Carlyle and Paula Johnson Stanford and his son, Jay Johnson. The reunion was held at the Holiday Inn and Suites 10831 W. Park Place, July 24 -26, 2026 and occurs on the 4th weekend in July every year. This year there were 125 family members present. The cousin from Long Beach, California won the prize for traveling the longest distance. Other places represented were Florence, Mississippi; Lorain, Ohio; Detroit, Michigan; Rockford, Illinois; Washington DC., Texas, Virginia, Alabama, and of course all parts of Arkansas. The oldest family member to attend is 93 years old, the youngest, one year old. Many family members from out of town were able to experience the attractions Milwaukee is known for, such as the Lake front, Brady Street Festival, Water St. District, The Harley Davidson Museum, and the Potawatomi Casino.
There was dancing and door prizes. The delicious food was catered by Terri Lynn’s Soul Food Express, 10742 W. Hampton Ave. The program consisted of the family prayer, the family song, introduction of all family members and the annual family business meeting. Next year the 69th annual, will be held in Washington DC. “A people without knowledge of their past, origin, history, and culture, is like a tree without roots,” – Marcus Garvey. The 68th Annual Johnson Harris Family Reunion tradition puts that statement into action.
