"Of all our experiences: battlefields, museums, Black-owned restaurants, historic churches, “lost cause” narratives, bridges, lunch counters, park rangers, historic district foundations, hanging steel coffins, praying, singing, dancing, marching and riding… I learned most just being with fellow pilgrims.

Even when one means no harm, she may still cause a problem. Even when one recognizes no harm, she may act problematically. Even when one sticks to her own business, as she was raised to, when she is unmindful, she contributes to the problem.

It’s on White folk to notice harm, wise-up to the problem, and humbly to offer help creating solutions."

"The pilgrimage for me was very emotional and even after a year, it is hard to articulate what it meant to be a part of this experience. The pain, courage, and fortitude of those that fought the battle to freedom and those that are still fighting for equality was mind-boggling and left me in a state of self-reflection. I am left with the conviction of fighting this battle in my community and helping in any capacity that I can.

"On Thursday morning we went to the Dexter Avenue Church, where MLK Jr. was the preacher before he left to pursue Civil Rights work full time. There was a docent at the door who hugged each person from our trip before we walked in the door. I mean hugged. 100 of us. As with many things on this trip, I was moved to tears. As everyone was filtering in and getting settled, one of the teenagers, Donte, spontaneously sat at the piano and played a beautiful Chopin ballad. Our tour guide, Wanda, peppered her information about the site with bits of MLK’s speeches, which she delivered (and made us repeat) with passion. She – like most of those who presented to us over those five days – was dynamic and passionate and engaging. She asked for musical folks from our group (there were quite a few!) to come up to the front and form a makeshift choir. A rather resounding rendition of “This Little Light of Mine” ensued."

"Embarking on the Pilgrimage, I hoped the journey would leave me with a deeper and more nuanced understanding of the past, help me continue to identify and challenge my biases, and empower me to better understand my personal role in creating change. On all counts, it did. However, the bonds of community—created in such a short time over those hundreds of miles—were largely unexpected, yet transformative. The horrors of our history are undeniable, but equally so was the joy and connectedness that I experienced with my fellow pilgrims. Thank you."