The "BURG" Family Reunion Club

FROM THE PRESIDENT

Dear BFRC Family, and Friends,,

Happy New Year, and welcome to the inaugural edition of THE “BURG” CONNECTION, the official quarterly magazine of the “BURG” Family Reunion Club!

It is with great pride and excitement that I introduce this publication, which represents another important step in our organization's commitment to keeping our families connected, celebrating our heritage, and strengthening our community.

THE “BURG” CONNECTION is more than a newsletter. It is a celebration of who we are, where we come from, and where we are going together.

As we reflect on 2026, I am reminded of the many ways our organization continues to make a positive difference throughout Leesburg and Loudoun County.

From our annual Juneteenth Celebration and “BURG” Family Reunion to our Senior Luncheon Celebration, Turkey Distribution, and BURG C.A.R.E.S. community outreach initiatives, each event represents our dedication to bringing people together, honoring our history, and serving those around us.

These accomplishments would not be possible without the dedication of our Board of Directors, committee members, volunteers, sponsors, community partners, and the many individuals who generously give their time and resources to support our mission.

To each of you, I extend my heartfelt appreciation.

As we begin 2027, I am excited about the opportunities ahead. Our commitment to preserving the history, heritage, and legacy of the Black descendants of Leesburg, Virginia, remains at the heart of everything we do.

Through education, scholarships, cultural celebrations, community outreach, and meaningful partnerships, we will continue working to strengthen our families, create opportunities, and inspire future generations.

One of my personal goals is to see our organization continue growing—not simply in membership, but in the impact we make and the relationships we build throughout our community.

I also believe it is important that we continue telling our stories. Our history is rich, our traditions are meaningful, and the contributions of those who came before us deserve to be remembered and celebrated.

That is one of the reasons we created THE “BURG” CONNECTION.

Each quarterly edition will provide an opportunity to share our accomplishments, highlight outstanding individuals, celebrate our families, recognize community partners, and keep everyone informed about the programs and events that make BFRC special.

I encourage you to read, share, and become part of this publication. Whether you have a family story, a historical photograph, a community accomplishment, or an idea for a future article, we welcome your participation.

Our greatest strength has always been our connection to one another.

As we move forward into 2027, let us continue working together with a shared commitment to honoring our past, embracing our present, and building a stronger future for generations to come.

Thank you for being part of the “BURG” family and for supporting our mission.

I look forward to another exciting year of fellowship, service, celebration, and community connection.

Together, we are preserving our legacy and building our future—FOREVER CONNECTED!

CELEBRATING OUR FAMILIES

A Celebration of Family, Heritage, and Togetherness

The spirit of family, friendship, and community was at the heart of the 2026 “BURG” Family Reunion, as families and friends gathered at the Douglass Community Center in Leesburg, Virginia, for a day of fellowship, laughter, and lasting memories.

The annual reunion continues to be one of the “BURG” Family Reunion Club's most cherished traditions, bringing together generations of families connected to Leesburg's historic African American community.

Throughout the day, attendees enjoyed delicious food, lively conversations, music, games, and opportunities to reconnect with relatives and longtime friends.

More than simply an annual gathering, the “BURG” Family Reunion serves as a reminder that our history lives through the stories we share, the traditions we preserve, and the relationships we continue to build.

The Ms. Mary Wiley Legacy Award

LOOKING AHEAD: 2027 MS. MARY WILEY LEGACY AWARDS

Honoring Our Elders, Preserving Our Legacy

The “BURG” Family Reunion Club is proud to continue the tradition of recognizing our community's elders through the Ms. Mary Wiley Legacy Award.

Each year, BFRC seeks to identify and honor one male and one female who are the eldest living members of Leesburg's historic African American community.

This special recognition celebrates the lives, experiences, and legacies of individuals who represent an important connection to our community's rich history and heritage.

As we begin 2027, we will start the process of identifying our next two honorees, who will be recognized during the 2027 “BURG” Family Reunion on Saturday, September 25, 2027.

We encourage families and community members to help us identify individuals who may qualify for this meaningful recognition.

If you know someone who should be considered, please contact the “BURG” Family Reunion Club at burgreunion@gmail.com.

HONORING OUR ELDERS TODAY, PRESERVING THEIR LEGACIES FOR TOMORROW.

FOREVER CONNECTED

As we reflect on another successful family reunion, we extend our sincere appreciation to the Reunion Committee, volunteers, community supporters, and everyone who helped make the celebration possible.

We also thank the families who attended and continue to support this important tradition.

SAVE THE DATE!

2027 “BURG” Family Reunion
Saturday, September 25, 2027
Douglass Community Center
Leesburg, Virginia

Additional details will be announced in the coming months.

Our Families, Our Legacies, Our Future, Forever Connected!

BURG C.A.R.E.S.

Community • Awareness • Resources • Empowerment • Support

At the heart of the “BURG” Family Reunion Club (BFRC) is a commitment to giving back, strengthening families, and making a positive difference in the lives of those we serve.

Through our BURG C.A.R.E.S. initiative, we continue to demonstrate that our organization is about more than bringing families together for celebrations. We are dedicated to building a stronger, more connected community through meaningful outreach, partnerships, and service.

As we reflect on 2026 and look ahead to 2027, we celebrate the programs that reflect our commitment to caring for others.

CELEBRATING AND SUPPORTING OUR SENIORS

Senior Luncheon Celebration & Turkey Distribution

Our annual Senior Luncheon Celebration & Turkey Distribution is one of BFRC's signature community outreach initiatives.

Held on November 21, 2026, at Douglass Community Center in Leesburg, Virginia, the event was organized to bring seniors together for an afternoon of fellowship, appreciation, and holiday giving.

The celebration featured a spaghetti luncheon, followed by the distribution of turkeys and turkey breasts to help seniors prepare for their Thanksgiving holiday.

More importantly, the event provided an opportunity to remind our seniors how much they are loved, respected, and appreciated.

We extend our sincere appreciation to our community partners:

MLK Diversity-Engagement Foundation
Loudoun Douglass Alumni Association (LDAA)
Young Kings Movement

Their partnership, along with the dedication of our volunteers and supporters, demonstrates what can be accomplished when organizations come together for a common purpose.

ADOPT A FAMILY

Bringing Hope and Support to Families

Through our Adopt a Family initiative, BFRC works to provide encouragement and essential support to families experiencing challenging circumstances.

The program reflects our belief that strong communities are built when neighbors support one another.

By working with community partners, volunteers, and supporters, we seek to help families feel valued, supported, and connected.

Every family deserves to know that their community cares.

ADOPT A TEACHER

Supporting Those Who Inspire Our Children

Teachers play an essential role in shaping the future of our community.

Through our Adopt a Teacher initiative, BFRC recognizes educators who go above and beyond to support their students.

In 2026, we were pleased to select Ms. Caity Bach, a third-grade teacher, for recognition through this initiative.

Our goal is to show appreciation for the dedication, compassion, and hard work of educators who make a difference in the lives of our children.

By supporting teachers, we are also investing in the success of future generations.

THE POWER OF COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS

Together, We Make a Difference

None of our community outreach initiatives would be possible without the generosity and dedication of our volunteers, sponsors, donors, and community partners.

Whether providing financial support, donating supplies, volunteering at an event, or simply helping spread the word, every contribution plays an important role in our mission.

We sincerely thank everyone who continues to support the “BURG” Family Reunion Club and our efforts to strengthen the community.

GET INVOLVED WITH BURG C.A.R.E.S.

We invite individuals, families, businesses, and community organizations to join us in making a positive difference.

There are many ways to support our outreach initiatives, including volunteering, sponsoring programs, donating supplies, and helping connect families with available resources.

Together, we can continue building a community where everyone feels valued, supported, and connected.

For more information about our community outreach programs or volunteer opportunities, contact us:

burgreunion@gmail.com

BURG C.A.R.E.S.

Community • Awareness • Resources • Empowerment • Support

Our Families, Our Legacies, Our Future, Forever Connected!

CELEBRATING FREEDOM, HONORING OUR HERITAGE

Juneteenth Celebration

Remembering Our History • Celebrating Our Culture • Inspiring Future Generations

A Celebration of Freedom, Culture, and Community

On Saturday, June 20, 2026, the “BURG” Family Reunion Club proudly presented its annual Lees'BURG' Juneteenth Celebration at Ida Lee Park in Leesburg, Virginia.

The celebration brought families, friends, community organizations, and visitors together to commemorate Juneteenth, recognize the significance of African American freedom, and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of our community.

Juneteenth marks June 19, 1865, when enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, learned that they were free, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation.

Today, Juneteenth serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of freedom, resilience, education, and the ongoing responsibility to preserve and share our history.

For the “BURG” Family Reunion Club, Juneteenth is more than an annual celebration. It is an opportunity to honor our ancestors, strengthen community connections, and inspire future generations.

A DAY OF MUSIC, FELLOWSHIP, AND CELEBRATION

The 2026 celebration featured live entertainment, cultural activities, food vendors, local businesses, and opportunities for families to come together.

One of the day's featured attractions was the legendary North East Groovers, whose performance brought the energy and excitement of Go-Go music to Leesburg.

The celebration also included meaningful ceremonial moments, including an opening prayer by Minister Andrea Johnson and a performance of Lift Every Voice and Sing by Ms. Victoria Norman.

Throughout the day, attendees had opportunities to enjoy entertainment, support local vendors, reconnect with friends, and celebrate the cultural traditions that unite our community.

RAISING THE FLAG, HONORING OUR HISTORY

2026 Juneteenth Flag-Raising Ceremony

On Thursday, June 18, 2026, the community gathered on the Leesburg Town Hall Lawn for our annual Juneteenth Flag-Raising Ceremony.

The ceremony provided an opportunity to reflect on the historical significance of Juneteenth and recognize the sacrifices, perseverance, and achievements of generations of African Americans.

During the ceremony, we proudly recognized Family One, honoring their place in our community's history and legacy.

The raising of the Juneteenth flag represents more than a symbolic gesture. It is a public expression of remembrance, freedom, unity, and hope.

By continuing this tradition, we ensure that the history and meaning of Juneteenth remain visible and meaningful for generations to come.

THANK YOU TO OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS

The success of our Juneteenth Celebration depends on the generosity and dedication of our sponsors, volunteers, vendors, performers, committee members, and community supporters.

We extend our sincere appreciation to everyone who contributed their time, resources, and talents to help make the 2026 celebration possible.

Special appreciation goes to our community sponsors and supporters, including Milk & Honey and Sunbelt Rentals, for their contributions.

Your continued partnership allows us to provide a celebration that honors our history while bringing people together through culture, education, and fellowship.

LOOKING AHEAD: JUNETEENTH 2027

Continuing the Celebration, Strengthening Our Legacy

As we look ahead to 2027, planning is underway for another exciting Lees'BURG' Juneteenth Celebration.

Our goal is to continue building upon the traditions that make this event special while expanding opportunities for cultural education, community participation, entertainment, and partnerships.

We look forward to welcoming returning supporters and introducing new families, businesses, and organizations to this important community celebration.

Additional information regarding the 2027 celebration, including event details, entertainment, sponsorship opportunities, and vendor registration, will be announced as plans are finalized.

We encourage everyone to stay connected through our website and social media platforms.
Facebook: Lees'BURG' Juneteenth

OUR HISTORY. OUR FREEDOM. OUR LEGACY.

Juneteenth reminds us that understanding our history is essential to shaping our future.

Through education, celebration, and community engagement, the “BURG” Family Reunion Club remains committed to preserving African American history and ensuring that the legacy of freedom continues to inspire future generations.

FREEDOM IS OUR HISTORY. UNITY IS OUR STRENGTH. OUR LEGACY IS OUR FUTURE.

Our Families, Our Legacies, Our Future, Forever Connected!