The Stroud Family
Generations of pioneers, scholars, athletes, engineers, and leaders.
From the patriarch who led the family out of bondage to the modern descendants preserving their story, each member of the Stroud family has contributed uniquely to this extraordinary legacy.
K.D. Stroud
Patriarch & Reverend
Born on a Texas plantation, K.D. Stroud rose from the bonds of slavery to become a respected reverend and community leader. He led his family on the great migration to Colorado Springs in 1910, establishing a legacy of faith, resilience, and service that would endure for generations.
Lulu Magee Stroud
Matriarch
The steadfast matriarch of the Stroud family, Lulu Magee Stroud was the cornerstone of strength and unity. Her Native American heritage wove a rich cultural tapestry into the family identity, and her nurturing spirit held the family together through decades of challenge and triumph.
Dolphus Stroud
1928 Olympic Hopeful & Scholar
A remarkable athlete and intellectual, Dolphus Stroud was a 1928 Olympic hopeful and Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Colorado College. His dual excellence in athletics and academics broke barriers and inspired a community during an era of segregation.
Effie Stroud Frazier
First African/Native American Sachs Scholar
Effie Stroud Frazier made history as the first African- and Native-American Sachs Scholar at Colorado College, pioneering academic excellence and opening doors for generations of minority scholars who followed.
Jack Stroud
Apollo Missions Engineer
Jack Stroud contributed to one of humanity’s greatest achievements as an engineer on the Apollo space missions. His technical brilliance helped put astronauts on the moon, proving that the Stroud family’s reach extended from the cotton fields to the stars.
Nina Stroud Pellerin
First Certified Black Teacher in Colorado Springs (1954)
Nina Stroud Pellerin broke the color barrier in education, becoming the first certified Black teacher in Colorado Springs in 1954, the same year as the Brown v. Board of Education ruling. Her dedication to teaching shaped countless young minds.
Lu Lu Stroud Pollard
Community Honoree
Lu Lu Stroud Pollard was so beloved in her community that a park was named in her honor. Her tireless community service and warm spirit made her a pillar of Colorado Springs society.
Bobby Stroud
Family Member
Bobby Stroud carried on the family tradition of community involvement and quiet strength, contributing to the Stroud legacy in Colorado Springs.
Tandy Stroud
Family Member
Tandy Stroud helped maintain the family’s deep roots in Colorado, preserving traditions and stories for future generations.
Joseph Stroud
Telecom Tycoon & Philanthropist (d. 2024)
Joseph Stroud built a telecom empire and used his success to uplift communities through philanthropy. His passing in 2024 marked the loss of a giant whose generosity touched countless lives.
Carl Bourgeois
Real Estate Developer
Carl Bourgeois made headlines as a groundbreaking real estate developer, earning features in The New York Times. His business acumen and vision reshaped communities and created opportunities.
Frank Shines
Great-Grandson, Author & Website Creator
Frank Shines, great-grandson of K.D. and Lulu, is the author of ‘Let In But Left Out’ and creator of this website. He is dedicated to preserving and sharing the extraordinary Stroud family story with the world.