A Century of Legacy: The Bryant Family Celebrates 100th Reunion

PITTSBORO, NC (WTVD) -- A century of love, lineage, and legacy was honored as a local family gathered for its historic 100th family reunion on Saturday, August 2, at the Chatham County Agricultural Center.

What began in August 1925 as a birthday celebration for the family's matriarch, Annie L. Bryant McKeown, has blossomed into a cherished annual tradition.

Born into slavery in 1860, McKeown later became a farmer and midwife. She (and Micajah Rosser) raised 11 children, laying the foundation of the family's legacy in the area.

Some of the original reunion organizers included Moncure residents Edward and Evelyn Lee and Gade and Maude Bryant. Local landmarks like Gade Bryant Road and a school named in honor of family member Margaret Bryant Pollard reflect the family's presence in the region.

The family states that over the decades, this reunion has grown in size and significance. What started as a small family gathering has become an annual event drawing relatives from across the country.

This year's event theme was "100 Years Rooted in Lineage, Light, and Love." As the family reflects on a century of shared memories, storytelling, and honoring their ancestors, the spirit of Annie L. Bryant McKeown continues to guide and inspire them -- proof that love and legacy can last for generations.

The family has met every year since 1925 without interruption.