First United Methodist Church of Brighton and Whitmore Lake
CIVIL RIGHTS PILGRIMAGE
Atlanta · Birmingham · Montgomery · Selma
A Journey Through History, Faith & Justice
Walking in the footsteps of those who marched for justice.
TRIP AT A GLANCE
Day 1
Atlanta, GA
Overnight: Atlanta
Day 2
Atlanta → Birmingham
Overnight: Birmingham
Day 3
Birmingham → Montgomery
Overnight: Montgomery
Day 4
Montgomery Legacy Sites
Overnight: Montgomery
Day 5
Selma & Edmund Pettus Bridge
Overnight: Montgomery
Day 6
Tuskegee → Montgomery
Overnight: Montgomery
Day 7
Travel to Atlanta; Departure
DAY 1 · SATURDAY
Arrive in Atlanta
National Center for Civil and Human Rights
Immerse yourself in exhibits around Civil and Human rights movements from all over the world. The newly renovated center in downtown Atlanta offers a powerful introduction to our journey.
Check in Atlanta hotel
Worship and reflect together tonight
📍 Atlanta, Georgia
No meals included today
Key Themes
DAY 2 · SUNDAY
Atlanta → Birmingham
1. MLK Jr. Historic Park, Atlanta
Walk through the 'I Have a Dream' World Peace Rose Garden — a breathtaking tribute to the Civil Rights leader.
2. Ebenezer Baptist Church, Atlanta
Worship at the historic church where Dr. King preached. A deeply spiritual and powerful experience.
3. Anniston, Alabama
Site of the Freedom Riders bus burning. Visit the outdoor mural commemorating this pivotal moment in history.
4. Arrive Birmingham, Alabama
Check in to hotel and prepare for a full day at some of Birmingham's most historic civil rights sites.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch included
DAY 3 · MONDAY
Birmingham, Alabama
16th Street Baptist Church
On September 15, 1963, four young girls were killed in a bombing at this church — one of the most tragic events of the Civil Rights movement. Tour the church and honor their memory.
Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
Explore the stories that shape our past and how we can work together in the present to build a better future.
Kelly Ingram Park
Walk through the site of many powerful moments in the history of Birmingham's civil rights struggle.
Then journey to Montgomery to check in · Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
DAY 4 · TUESDAY
Montgomery Legacy Sites
Equal Justice Initiative (EJI)/Bryan Stevenson
01
Freedom Monument Sculpture Park
A 17-acre site on the Alabama River exploring the lived experiences of enslaved people. World-class sculptures bring history alive as you walk the path.
02
Legacy Museum
Covering 400 years of American history — from enslavement to mass incarceration. Cutting-edge technology immerses visitors in a unique way.
03
National Memorial for Peace and Justice
The nation's first memorial dedicated to victims of racial terror lynchings — known as the Lynching Memorial. Contextualizes racial terror and its legacy today.
04
Montgomery Square
Recently opened in March 2026 at EJI's Elevation hotel. Explores Civil Rights activism of the 1950s & 60s with library and theater for visitors.
Local guide provided · Short boat ride on Alabama River · Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
DAY 5 · WEDNESDAY
Selma & The Bridge
Journey on the National Historic Trail to Selma — following the footsteps of the marchers of 1965 who changed America forever.
Lowndes County Interpretive Center
Learn about Tent City and the significance of the 1965 march. A powerful stop along the historic trail to Selma.
Downtown Selma
Shop, eat, and explore the city at the heart of the Voting Rights movement.
Edmund Pettus Bridge
As a group, walk across this iconic bridge — the site of Bloody Sunday, March 7, 1965 — where marchers faced violent resistance fighting for the right to vote.
Return to Montgomery
Reflect on the day's powerful experiences as we journey back to our base.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
DAY 6 · THURSDAY
Tuskegee & Montgomery
Tuskegee University
Legacy Museum on Campus
Learn about Tuskegee University's rich history — one of America's most celebrated HBCUs and a cornerstone of Black education and achievement.
Tuskegee Airmen
National Historic Site
Honor the World War II pilots who made history. The Tuskegee Airmen broke racial barriers and proved their valor, becoming one of the most decorated fighter groups of the war.
Evening in Montgomery
Late lunch · Downtown driving tour · Final reflections and worship at the hotel
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
DAY 7 · FRIDAY
Departure Day
Depart from Montgomery to Atlanta this morning to
catch your flights home in the afternoon.
Meal: Breakfast included
What You'll Carry Home
New friendships. Deeper understanding. Renewed commitment to justice, equity, and human dignity — the spirit of the movement lives on in each of us.
TRIP DETAILS
Dates, Cost & Registration
DATES
January 30 – February 5, 2027
7 days · 6 nights
COST PER PERSON
$2,159* double occupancy
(single room add $610)
*Minimum 25 persons — price increases if fewer
Not Included
Transportation to/from Atlanta
Gratuities to bus driver and tour guide
Some Meals (as indicated)
Hotels
Similar to Hilton, Embassy Suites, and Sheraton
Register NOW and No Later Than
September 30, 2026
$200/person deposit required
Payment in Full Due
November 18, 2026
Balance due by this date
REFLECTION
Carrying the Movement Forward
"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."
— Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Learn More about the Itinerary
First United Methodist Church of Brighton and Whitmore Lake
CIVIL RIGHTS PILGRIMAGE
Atlanta · Birmingham · Montgomery · Selma · Tuskegee
January 30 – February 5, 2027
May this journey inspire compassion, advocacy and justice.
Register now and no lager than September 30, 2026 · $200/person deposit · Full payment due November 18, 2026
Questions? justice@brightonfumc.org
Fit to Travel Statment from EO
Presentation created with the assistance of Claude AI (Anthropic)