The countdown has begun! We're heading home to where it all began — Birmingham, Alabama — for the Shearer~Lawson Family Reunion: Magic City Homecoming Edition, and we couldn't be more excited to celebrate our legacy, love, and laughter together.

This year's theme, "A Magic City Homecoming: Honoring Our Roots, Rejoicing in Our Legacy," pays tribute to the very soil where our reunions first took root, and where our family's story continues to shine.

Here's what's in store for our unforgettable weekend:

Reunion Weekend Schedule

Thursday, June 25 – Welcome Home: Meet & Greet + Sip 'n Paint

6:00 PM – 9:00 PM @ Hyatt Regency Birmingham – Riverchase Galleria

• Sip' n Paint Experience 

  • Pre-registration is required so we can prepare enough paint kits for everyone.

  • All supplies provided

• Cash bar available for wine, cocktails, and mocktails

• Pick up registration bags:

  • Family members registered at the Hyatt Regency can pick up their bags at the front desk during check-in

  • Bags for family members not staying at the Hyatt Regency will be distributed at the Meet & Greet. Please make arrangements to collect your bags during this time. 

Friday, June 26 – Honoring Our Legacy: Civil Rights Tour + Semi-formal Banquet

10:00 AM – 3:00 PM – On Your Own or Civil Rights Tour @ Birmingham Civil Rights District 

• 16th Street Baptist Church

• Birmingham Civil Rights Institute

• Kelly Ingram Park

• A.G. Gaston Motel

• Lunch at a Yo' Mama's Soul Food Restaurant

6:00 PM – 9:00 PM – Banquet: Shining Bright in the Magic City @ Hyatt Regency Ballroom 

• Semi-formal attire

• Menu selection of your choice

• Cash bar available for wine, cocktails, and mocktails

• Tribute slideshow

• Keynote speaker

• Presentation of Awards

• Silent Auction: "Bidding on Legacy"

Saturday, June 27: Picnic + Live Auction + Pedal Party 

11:00 AM – 3:00 PM - Picnic: Magic on the Water @ Sandpiper Pavilion, Oak Mountain State Park

• BBQ and all the fixins

• Family games and a lakeside scavenger hunt

• Motown and Southern hits

• Bubble zone, splash games, and "Legacy Luau"

• Family photo by the water in reunion shirts

• Live Family Auction @ the Pavilion

  • Bring your best! Like-new purses, stylish clothes, homemade baked goods, and other treasures will be auctioned off during the picnic.

  • A joyful way to raise funds and celebrate family flair - come ready to bid, laugh, and support!

• Family meeting held shortly thereafter to discuss 2027 reunion plans

8:00 PM – 10:00 PM  Pedal Party Bar Hop (Adults 21+) @ Downtown Birmingham

• $30 per person | Limited seats available.

• Registration closes October 31st. 

• Payment is required at registration to secure your spot. 

• BYOB-friendly party bike

• Stops at 3–4 bars and/or breweries

• Downtown nightlife

Sunday, June 28: Worship & Farewell – Rooted in Grace

10:30 AM @ Friendship Baptist Church - Rev. Robert Sellers, Sr.

• Reunion attendees are invited to worship together as a family

• Reserved seating will be arranged for Shearer~Lawson guests

• Group photo on church steps following the service

• Farewell hugs to follow

Reunion Gear Announcement: Homecoming Edition!

In honor of this year's Homecoming theme, we're thrilled to introduce a brand-new way to show your family pride: You now have the option to purchase a Family Reunion T-shirt, a Family Reunion Jersey, or both!

This is the first time we've offered this choice, and we wanted to be sure every family member has the opportunity to represent in style—whether you're feeling classic, sporty, or both! Let's show up united, spirited, and photo-ready for Magic on the Water!

Important Ordering Note: When selecting your shirt(s), be sure to click "Add to Order" to ensure your items are included in your order and reflected in your final total. Orders not added to the cart will not be processed.

T-shirts

Secure Your Seat: Reunion Registration & Payment Timeline!

Registration is required for the family reunion. Unfortunately, we are not able to accommodate non-registered family members. This includes Sip' n Paint, the banquet, picnic, and the Pedal Party. However, we understand the financial impact of vacations on families and are happy to accept payment installments on the banquet, picnic, and t-shirt fees. The balance must be paid in full by May 31st. For your convenience, payments can be made via credit card, money order, or CashApp. The family reunion's CashApp is $ShearerLawsonBHM. Credit card, money order,  and CashApp payments will be accepted beginning Monday, October 13, 2025. Registration packets will not be mailed.

Host Hotel - Your Home Base for Homecoming!

We have selected Hyatt Regency Birmingham - The Wynfrey Hotel as our host hotel for the family reunion. The Hyatt Regency is connected to the Riverchase Galleria Mall. It is within walking distance of Merk's Tavern & Kitchen (located in the hotel), Dave & Buster's, J. Alexander's, Firebirds, Stix, Olive Garden, and countless other restaurants.  

We have been offered a special nightly group rate of $165 for king and double rooms on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, which includes self-parking. This rate does not include local taxes and fees. The hotel also provides overnight valet parking for a nightly rate of $29. To receive the hotel's discounted group rates, guests must make reservations by Thursday, May 28, 2026. The hotel will accept reservations made after May 28th, provided space is available, at the standard rates.

Hyatt Regency Birmingham - The Wynfrey Hotel

1000 Riverchase Galleria

Birmingham, AL 35244

Reservation line: (866) 781-3768

If family members make hotel reservations by phone, they must provide the family's group code, Shearer Lawson Family Reunion. When family members make reservations online, the group discount is already applied. The hotel reservation link is below: 

https://www.hyat com/events/e Ag/BHMHR/G-SHLW

Important Note: Incidentals: A one-time $60 hold will be placed on each guestroom to cover incidental charges, such as valet parking, room service, and movie rentals. This hold (minus any incidental charges) will be released at checkout. The funds will be available immediately if a major credit card is used. If a bank debit card is used, the funds will be available within 7-10 business days, depending on your bank's processing time.

We look forward to seeing you in Birmingham at Homecoming. As always, please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions. 

Charline, Phylisa, and Kineshia