Jennifer Hudson Hosts Hatch Day, Family Honors Murdered Nephew Julian

Jennifer Hudson and her family hosted their 5th annual Hatch Day, celebrating her late nephew Julian's birthday by giving back to the community. The “Spotlight” singer and her sister Julia teamed up with her Julian D. King Gift Foundation to throw the benefit at Chicago’s Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Community Center this past Friday. The event focuses on passing out numerous school supplies to many children who are in need just before the school year begins in the next few weeks for Fall.

The family team greeted the youth in attendance, as well as made sure they received all of the supplies fit for their grade.

 What grade r u going to ?

A photo posted by Jennifer Hudson (@iamjhud) on Aug 15, 2015 at 1:04pm PDT

Hudson commented on the importance of the annual community event in a statement, explaining, “It is so important for the children of our community to know we are here to help any way we can. That can make all the difference. We know that by providing these essentials, we’re helping to prepare the next generation of Chicago to grow in a more positive environment and work toward a more exciting future.”

Along with her sister in attendance for the day’s festivities, J-Hud was joined by her son David Jr., as well as his father David Sr. On top of spending time with her family and the community at the event, Hudson also debuted her new bald hairdo to the public, which has been making some headlines as of late.

Back in 2008, the Hudson family suffered a tragic loss, as her sister’s ex-boyfriend, William Balfour, murdered their mother, brother Jason, and 7-year-old nephew Julian in a jealous rage, eventually being sentenced to three life sentences in prison. Julian was reported missing for days before his body was discovered in the back of Hudson’s brother’s vehicle by FBI, who had been called in to help the family.