WHAT IS CHEEK FAMILY REUNION?

Keeping Tradition Alive

​The first Cheek Family Reunion was held in ​1967 when the grandchildren of Hanna Lee Gilliam Cheek felt a yearning in their adulthood to reconnect on a regular basis with their siblings and cousins who they fondly grew up with. These gatherings quickly became travel excursions to host cities where family hubs exist. Our roots trace back to rural Santuc, SC and we have family all over the US and some abroad.

Many decades and offspring later these reunions still remain an annual custom for our family. Each year we try to find ways to honor, celebrate, and forge connection with all generations of our family. We are embracing new trends to engage young descendants while maintaining cultural continuity. We want to be intentional to ensure we remember our loved ones who have passed, cherish our matriarchs and patriarchs, and teach our heritage so that it is never lost.

SC House of Representatives Honoring 50th Annual Cheek Reunion in 2017

1940 US Census - Hannah Cheek

2025 Atlanta Committee

Catrina (Roberson) Antoine  5th Generation ~ Esther Curenton Roberson Gilbert (4); Estelle Stevens Curention (3);
​Mabel (Me Ma) Cheek Stevens Cobb (2)

Elaine Kirkland  4th Generation ~ Mae Owensby (3); ​Mabel (Me Ma) Cheek Stevens Cobb (2) 

William (Junior) Sims  4th Generation ~ Mary Lou Cheek Sims (3); James Earl Cheek (2)  

Bonita Stevens  4th Generation ~ Wallace A Stevens (3); ​Mabel (Me Ma) Cheek Stevens Cobb (2) 

Christina Stevens-Mullins   4th Generation ~ Wallace A Stevens (3); ​Mabel (Me Ma) Cheek Stevens Cobb (2) 

April (Stevens) Watkins  4th Generation  ~ Hillard Bernard Stevens, Sr. (3); Mamie Cheek Stevens (2)

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Heritage Matriarch
~ Hannah Lee Gilliam Cheek

Perfect Setting 

​We are so excited to host the reunion again in the ATL!!!

Atlanta metro influences everything and is the gem of the South. It boasts a large number of Fortune 500 companies, professional sports teams, world-class universities, media giants, cultural influencers, and the world’s busiest airport. 

Historical Significance: Atlanta is a central landmark in African American history. Known as the birthplace of the Civil Rights Movement, it was home to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and has iconic sites like the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, the MLK Jr. National Historical Park, and the APEX Museum. These locations offer meaningful ways for families to explore shared heritage and reflect on impactful history.

Accessible Location: Atlanta is a major travel hub with Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, making it easily accessible for family members flying in from across the country or internationally. Plus, Atlanta’s central location in the Southeast makes it drivable for many families in surrounding states.

Accommodations and Venues: The city boasts a wide variety of event spaces, from large hotels and convention centers to scenic parks like Piedmont Park and smaller, intimate venues. Atlanta’s family-friendly attractions, like the Georgia Aquarium, Zoo Atlanta, and Six Flags, provide fun options for all ages.

Vibrant Black Culture: Atlanta’s thriving arts and cultural scene includes music, food, and festivals that celebrate Black excellence. The city has historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), such as Spelman, Morehouse, and Clark Atlanta University, which also have campus tours that celebrate Black education and resilience.

Great Southern Hospitality: Known for its welcoming atmosphere, Atlanta has a wide range of catering options with traditional Southern and African American cuisine. From BBQ to soul food and more, the city offers authentic tastes that resonate with cultural roots.

We look forward to seeing each and everyone one of you. Please view the website or our Facebook Group Page thoroughly (check back periodically) for information and our updates.

Discover Atlanta

Mae Owensby and Ruth McMorris