A Family Archive in Progress
Since 1976, the descendants of Haywood and Lula Strong have gathered every two years to honor their heritage.
Haywood · Lula · & Every Generation Since
[PHOTO: Earl headshot]
A Note from the Founder
I'm the son of Carolyn, the youngest child of Minnie Ola — one of Haywood and Lula's twelve children — and the youngest of all of their grandchildren. Lula was gone long before any of us arrived, so I never had the chance to meet her in person. That's part of why this project means so much to me: so much of who she was lives on only in what's been passed down, told, and photographed.
For the last fifteen years, without really planning to, I've become something like the family's unofficial historian. I'm the one who always has a camera in hand — at reunions, fish fries, cook-offs, whatever the occasion — quietly capturing the moments of family and fellowship that make us who we are.
At our most recent reunion, my cousin John Bailey stood up in front of everyone and challenged me directly: do something with all that footage, and find real, physical ways to keep this family's legacy going. That moment gave urgency to something I'd already been quietly building toward. Strong Family Legacy is my answer to that challenge — and an invitation for all of us to help carry it forward, together.
— Earl
Why This Exists
Lula and Haywood Strong spent their lives in Newton County, Georgia, eventually making their home in the Alma community near Covington. Haywood was an independent farmer; Lula worked as a housewife and in the fields. Together they raised twelve children: Curtis, June, Willie Ross, Mary, Tilson, Minnie Ola, Joseph, James, William ("Bill"), Paul Moses, Tiney Alberta, and Charlie, who passed away at age thirteen.
Lula and Haywood were devoted Christians, active in their church and in daily life — every morning began with prayer, and their father read Scripture to the family each Sunday. Known throughout their community as "Aunt Lula" and "Uncle Haywood," they opened their home to families who had fallen on hard times, regardless of race — a legacy of faith, hospitality, and love that shaped every generation to follow.
Haywood passed away in 1935, and Lula in 1944. Their children carried the household — and the family's spirit — forward.
In July 1976, their descendants gathered in Detroit, Michigan for the very first Strong Family Reunion, made possible by the vision and dedication of the Pillars of the Georgia and Detroit Chapters. Fifty years later, that tradition continues: the Strong family still gathers every two years, rooted in faith, love, resilience, hard work, and commitment. The 2026 reunion in Atlanta, Georgia is where this archive begins.
1976
First Reunion, Detroit
12
Children
Every 2 Years
Still Gathering
2026 Reunion · Photos & Media
Choose the keepsake that fits your family. Every paid tier includes a physical copy of the reunion video slideshow and mini-documentary — so the story lives on your shelf, not just in the cloud.
Highest Tier
[PRICE TBD — starting at $XX]
A hardbound, printed photo album containing every photo from the 2026 reunion — a keepsake built to last for generations. Ships to your door.
Prints & Products
[PRICE TBD]
Order individual prints, canvases, and other keepsake products from the full reunion gallery.
Just want the digital photos?
Every reunion photo, free to download for family members. No physical items included.
Included Physically in Paid Tiers
A short film cut from the weekend’s moments — laughter at the tables, the elders speaking, the kids running. Ships as a physical copy with the Heirloom Album and Prints tiers.
The Long View
A feature-length film chronicling the Strong family history — from Haywood and Lula forward. The 2026 reunion is where the cameras first rolled. What comes next is being built with the family, for the family.
Pricing and payment platform aren’t finalized. Reserve your spot below and we’ll be in touch as soon as it’s live.
[AMOUNT TBD]
[AMOUNT TBD]
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In Production · Directed with the Family
Get updates as we build the archive and the documentary. Occasional notes — no spam, ever.