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For Family, By Family

The Irene Hughes Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the history and culture of our family and ancestors, particularly those from South Louisiana and Saginaw, Michigan. The foundation is named after Irene Hughes, our most common recent ancestor, who had six children who grew to adulthood. Her oldest child, Lillie Mae Cooper, is still alive today, along with her youngest two children, Maxine Chapple and Robert Hughes, Sr. The other siblings, Georgia Mae Gibson, Arthur Hughes Jr., and Hilda Ruffin, have passed away but their legacy lives on through their families and through the work of the foundation. Join us as we honor and celebrate the lives and stories of our family and ancestors.

Irene Hughes Foundation

The Irene Hughes Foundation is a family-run nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the history and culture of our family and ancestors from South Louisiana and Saginaw, Michigan. Through our website and various initiatives, we aim to document and share the stories and traditions of our family, while also promoting inclusivity and diversity. Our foundation is named after Irene Hughes, our most common recent ancestor and a source of inspiration for our mission. Join us in our efforts to honor and celebrate the legacy of our family and ancestors.

Let your contributions here be

Better than any resume

As a family-run nonprofit organization, we rely on the contributions of our younger members to keep our website and digital presence up-to-date and engaging. We offer a variety of opportunities for young people to get involved, from contributing blog posts on family history and traditions to designing and developing website features using WordPress.

By contributing to The Irene Hughes Foundation, you will not only gain valuable work experience that will look great on your resume, but you will also be helping to preserve and share the stories and traditions of our family and ancestors. Your contributions will be featured prominently on our website, giving you a platform to showcase your skills and creativity.

In addition to building your portfolio and gaining valuable experience, getting involved with The Irene Hughes Foundation is a great way to connect with your family and learn more about your heritage. You’ll have the opportunity to work alongside other family members who share your passion for history and culture, and to contribute to a cause that is important to all of us.

So why wait? Join The Irene Hughes Foundation today and start making your mark on our family’s legacy!

 

Our story

i-65 Bound

For our family, the migration from Louisiana to Michigan was more than just a move from one place to another. It represented decades of traveling up and down I-65, as our elders constantly moved back and forth between the two regions. Despite the distance, the connection to southern Louisiana and its people, cuisine, and traditions remained strong, as did our love for Michigan’s culture, cuisine, and lifestyle. These frequent trips became synonymous with our family and even a source of humor and inside jokes. We cherish the memories of our time spent in Louisiana and Michigan, and we strive to preserve and share our family’s story and heritage through The Irene Hughes Foundation.

Get Involved

Valuable Work Experience

Gain practical experience in digital media and content creation by contributing to our website.

Skill-Building Opportunities

Learn new skills and gain hands-on experience in areas such as website design and development.

Supportive Community

Join a community of family members who share a passion for preserving our family's history and heritage.

Inclusivity & Diversity

Explore diverse perspectives and experiences through our focus on promoting inclusivity and diversity.

Community Involvement

Participate in community events and initiatives that align with our mission and values.

Meaningful Contributions

Contribute to a cause that honors the legacy of our family and ancestors and makes a difference in the world.

Modern Technology

History you help build.

See More Family Content

We will never forget our

Family Elders

Today's Elders

Lillie Mae Cooper

Cakes. Christ. A caring and purposeful heart. Now, a bridge to our pasts as the eldest sibling.

Georgia Mae Gibson

Elegance. Style. Fashion. Mother's strength, sass, and wit. Never a taker of wooden nickels. Gone too soon.

Arthur Hughes, Jr.

The uncle for whom legends are made. An ode to the old school, in the best ways. A moment in time, he was.

Hilda Ruffin

Endless love. A mother to all. The fun Aunt with all your favorite cousins! Blues aficionado. Gone too soon.

Maxine Chapple

Bridging the gap as the siblings' baby girl. Always knows how to cure what ails you. Highly anointed!

Robert Hughes, Sr.

The fun uncle. Dad jokes and an uncanny talent for staying in the know. Family's first videographer.

Subscribe to the Family Circle newsletter.

Sign up for the Irene Hughes Foundation’s newsletter, the Family Circle, to stay up to date with events, news, and recent developments within the business. 

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