The congregation of Eureka Christian Church in Eureka, IL is sponsoring a Civil Rights Pilgrimage March 22-28, 2025.
On our pilgrimage, we hope to include: a Soul of America tour in Nashville, Tennessee; stops at the 16th Street Baptist Church and Kelly Ingram Park in Birmingham, Alabama; visits to the Equal Justice Initiative’s Legacy Museum and National Memorial for Peace and Justice in Montgomery, Alabama; and a guided tour around Selma which includes walking across the Edmund Pettus Bridge. These destinations are subject to availability; final itinerary may vary.
The cost is $1800 per person for a single room and $1500 per person for a double room. This includes transportation, lodging, activity fees, all breakfasts and four dinners. Lunches and two dinners are on your own. A $200 deposit is required at the time of registration to secure your place. Half of the remaining balance is due August 1, and the final payment is due December 2.
Required preparation for this experience will include several book and movie discussions according to the following schedule:
- April 27, 4:00-6:00 p.m., “Awakenings,” Eyes on the Prize, PBS documentary series; viewing and discussion.
- June 29, 4:00-7:00 p.m. Just Mercy, film viewing and discussion; dinner included.
- August 21, 7:00-8:00 p.m. The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander and Caste by Isabel Wilkerson, discussion of excerpts. (Excerpts will be provided.)
- October 16, 7:00-8:00 p.m. Waking Up White by Debby Irving, book discussion.
- January 11, 2025, 4:00-6:30 p.m. I Am Not Your Negro, film viewing and discussion; dinner included.
- February 26, 2025, 7:00-8:00 p.m. My Grandmother’s Hands by Resmaa Menakem, book discussion.
This preparation will enrich our experience on the pilgrimage and help us to be better journey partners. For those who live at a distance, the church will provide a Zoom link so that you can participate in the group discussions. (Unless otherwise indicated, participants will provide their own copies of the required reading.)
Right now, the church has room for 12 more people. The registration deadline is April 1.
For more information, please see an informational brochure here, visit the website with more info at https://eurekachristian.org/civil-rights-pilgrimage/ or contact Rev. Jennie Churchman.