Player and Stephens Family Reunion

Player and Stephens Family Reunion 2-4 Jul 2010

The 2010 Player and Stephens Family Reunion: Summary

The Player and Stephens families originated in Virginia, North and South Carolina and later migrated to communities in Bossier and Caddo Parishes. The generations of Thomas and Mary Player, and Rand and Julia Jackson, along with others gave birth to this proud heritage.

The spiritual heritage of these families was rooted and grounded in Godly wisdom. They continued to abide in the principals of God's word and worshiped at community churches such as Evergreen Baptist, Friendship Baptist, Calhoun C.M.E., St. Paul C.M.E., Ebenezer Baptist, Lake Zion Baptist, Union Chapel and many other churches in Bossier and Caddo Parishes.

Many of the Players and Stephens are buried in cemeteries such as St. Paul C.M.E., Ebenezer Baptist, Lake Zion Baptist, Union Chapel and Caroline Bluff.
The 4th Louisiana Player and Stephens Family Reunion was held in Bossier City, Louisiana, July 2nd - 4th, 2010.
There were approximately 175 in attendance representing eight (8) states: Louisiana, Texas, California, Michigan, New York, Illinois, Georgia, and Canada.

The reunion began Friday afternnon with the Meet and Greet Event which included registration and hospitality held at he Holiday Inn, Bossier City, LA. The Banquet was held later that night at the same location with Ms. Irma P. Hall (Big Mama from Soul Food) as the Special Guest Speaker and Rev. John Russell, II as the Keynote Speaker.

The reunion resumed on Saturday with the Picnic at Cypress Lake in Benton, LA.
The reunion concluded Sunday morning with the church service and dinner following at Stonewall Baptist Church in Bossier City, LA.

Although, the participation was great, we would love to have more participation from our youth and young adult family members; therefore, please encourage them to attend future reunions and even participate as a committee liaison for their state.

We want to thank the Family Reunion Committee: George A. Allen, Lenora Avery, Eddie Mae Bradford-Scott, Norman Ellis, Dawn Hamilton, Carrilon P. Jimerson, Valerie Player-Kaufman, Rosyland P. Morant, Bonita Player, Debra E. Player, and Doris Player for ensuring that we had a good time.

CU02