Jennifer Hudson at Street Naming Ceremony for Slain Nephew

Jennifer Hudson had an emotional day on Friday. The American Idol singer attended the the unveiling of a Chicago street sign named in honor of her slain nephew, Julian King.

“Julian was beautiful and how you know that is when you can see how someone can still impact your life in their absence,” said Jennifer as she fought tears. “Julian was only seven years old, but in those seven years he lived a life and he left an imprint on all of us.”

Jennifer continued, “He used to always say, ‘I want the world to know my name. And there you have it.”

I can only speak from the heart and sometimes the heart has a lot to say

A video posted by Jennifer Hudson (@iamjhud) on

Julian’s mother, Julia Hudson, also spoke at the ceremony. “Words cannot express what this means,” she said. “It’s wonderful. His legacy will live on forever.”

The street sign for Honorary Julian D. King Way sits at 44th Street and Sacramento, near Julian’s former school, Gunsaulus Scholastic Academy in the Chicago neighborhood,Brighton Park.

Julian was murdered in October 2008 along with Jennifer’s mother, Darnell Donerson, and her brother, Jason Hudson. The assailant, Julia’s ex-husband William Balfour, is currently serving three consecutive life sentences.

Jennifer has posted many pictures on her Instagram. Check out a few of them below. Jennifer has worked tirelessly over the years to keep the memory of her slain family alive. That little boy died tragically, but he lives on, through Jennifer’s charitable efforts in his name.

Via Entertainment Tonight

Special thank u to the city of chicago and alderman Raymond Lopez for making this all a reality !

A photo posted by Jennifer Hudson (@iamjhud) on

Wow !

A photo posted by Jennifer Hudson (@iamjhud) on

Jennifer speaks of her bittersweet tears in the caption of a photo of Julian and the erected street sign, juxtaposed on Instagram. The day happened to be her late grandmother’s birthday.

About mj santilli 34894 Articles
Founder and editor of mjsbigblog.com, home of the awesomest fan community on the net. I love cheesy singing shows of all kinds, whether reality or scripted. I adore American Idol, but also love The Voice, Glee, X Factor and more!