Alabama Living Legacy Pilgrimage
Alabama Moments that Reverberated Throughout the World
November 8-12, 2023
A series of events took place in Alabama and throughout the South in the 1950s and 60s that culminated in the ultimate passage of the 1964 National Civil Rights Act and the 1965 National Voting Rights Act. On this five-day, four-night pilgrimage, you'll learn how each event, from the day in 1955 when Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on a bus in Montgomery to the 1965 Selma to Montgomery March, moved the arc of the universe a little closer to justice.
On this Pilgrimage, you'll visit historic sites and meet unsung heroes and foot soldiers — of the Civil Rights Movement. As a spiritual pilgrimage, we reflect on what we experience together so when we each return home, we can apply what we have learned to make a difference in today's world.
You'll also visit the Equal Justice Initiative's Legacy Museum: From Enslavement to Mass Incarceration and National Memorial for Peace and Justice in Montgomery. The museum provides a comprehensive history of the United States with a focus on the legacy of slavery and the memorial tells the story of racial terror lynching victims in the United States.
Now is the time to gain the knowledge you need to build a community of leaders who will stand in the gap as brave veteran of the civil rights struggle have done for so many decades.
Come take your place on this long trail of history. Come see, learn, sing, and make a new way in the struggle for justice.
The time is NOW!
On this Pilgrimage, you'll visit historic sites and meet unsung heroes and foot soldiers — of the Civil Rights Movement. As a spiritual pilgrimage, we reflect on what we experience together so when we each return home, we can apply what we have learned to make a difference in today's world.
You'll also visit the Equal Justice Initiative's Legacy Museum: From Enslavement to Mass Incarceration and National Memorial for Peace and Justice in Montgomery. The museum provides a comprehensive history of the United States with a focus on the legacy of slavery and the memorial tells the story of racial terror lynching victims in the United States.
Now is the time to gain the knowledge you need to build a community of leaders who will stand in the gap as brave veteran of the civil rights struggle have done for so many decades.
Come take your place on this long trail of history. Come see, learn, sing, and make a new way in the struggle for justice.
The time is NOW!
Itinerary
This five-day, four-night journey includes the following (subject to change):
Wednesday, November 8, 2023*
*Itinerary subject to change
Wednesday, November 8, 2023*
- The bus will pick you up at the tour hotel (see below about Arrivals and Departures)
- You'll visit the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
- You'll enjoy an orientation, dinner, and a program at with UU Church of Birmingham.
- You'll visit the Zion United Methodist Church where Jimmie Lee Jackson, was shot and killed.
- You'll take a guided tour of Selma with a Voting Rights Campaign Veteran where you'll get first-hand personal accounts of the history of Selma's involvement in the Voting Rights Struggle.
- You'll take a walk across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma.
- You'll drive to Montgomery from Selma on the National Historic Trail. The 54-mile trail follows the historic march by beginning at the Brown Chapel AME Church in Selma and crossing the Edmund Pettus Bridge.
- You'll visit the Lowndes Interpretive Center. This National Park Service site is dedicated to those who peacefully marched from Selma to Montgomery to gain the right to vote.
- You'll visit the Viola Liuzzo Memorial.
- You'll visit the Dexter Avenue King Memorial Parsonage Museum where you'll experience the actual residence where Dr. King and his young family lived between 1954 and 1960.
- You'll take a driving or walking tour of Montgomery, including Dexter Avenue Baptist Church and Alabama State Capitol
- You'll participate in a ritual at the Maya Lin Civil Rights Memorial
- You will visit the Rosa Parks Museum
- You'll visit the Equal Justice Initiative’s Legacy Museum and National Memorial for Peace and Justice.
- You'll stop at the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church, the target of a racially motivated bombing that killed four girls.
- You'll participate in a program at the Bethel Baptist Church, listed as a National Historic Landmark, a National Treasure and part of the Birmingham Civil Rights Monument, pastored by the fiery Reverend Fred L. Shuttlesworth.
- You'll visit Kelly Ingram Park, an improved public park that contains emotionally powerful sculptures depicting the civil rights struggle in Birmingham. The park served as an assembly spot for activities of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and other groups in the movement.
- The bus will take you to the airport or the airport for your afternoon journey home.
*Itinerary subject to change
Pilgrimage Staff
This Living Legacy Pilgrimage will have four staff to provide education, music and tour management. They are:
Dr. Pamela Zappardino
Pam holds a doctoral degree in Psychology from the University of RI and is a graduate of Leadership RI and Leadership Maryland. She serves on the Boards of Common Ground on the Hill, Rape Crisis Intervention Services of Carroll County, the Carroll County NAACP, the Community Foundation of Carroll County, and the Living Legacy Project, as well as on the steering committees of the WMC Heritage Society at McDaniel College and Carroll Citizens for Racial Equality. She has been on the Carroll County Public Schools’ Council for Multicultural Education for 15 years.
Pam holds a doctoral degree in Psychology from the University of RI and is a graduate of Leadership RI and Leadership Maryland. She serves on the Boards of Common Ground on the Hill, Rape Crisis Intervention Services of Carroll County, the Carroll County NAACP, the Community Foundation of Carroll County, and the Living Legacy Project, as well as on the steering committees of the WMC Heritage Society at McDaniel College and Carroll Citizens for Racial Equality. She has been on the Carroll County Public Schools’ Council for Multicultural Education for 15 years.
The Rev. Laura Ingersol
Laura Ingersol grew up in Chicago, Illinois, and is a graduate of Illinois State University, Normal, Illinois with both a BS and MS in Education. She taught 2nd grade low achievers, and 2nd and 3rd grade academically gifted students in the Joliet, Illinois Public School System. She served as a Community Worker at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, Washington, D.C., then attended and earned a Master of Divinity at The Lutheran Theological Seminary, Gettysburg, PA.
Laura was ordained in 1985, and served as the Associate Pastor of Bethany Lutheran, Forestville, MD, the solo and then Senior Pastor of Resurrection Lutheran, Roxbury (Boston), MA, the Pastor at All Saints Lutheran, Baltimore, MD, as the Associate Pastor at The Lutheran Church of God’s Love, Newtown, PA., and shared leadership as a pastor developer with her husband Jerrett, at Journey of Faith Church, Baltimore.
Now retired, Laura enjoys reading, cooking and travel. With Jerrett, she has two daughters, six grandsons, a granddaughter, and a Goldendoodle puppy, Oliver.
Laura Ingersol grew up in Chicago, Illinois, and is a graduate of Illinois State University, Normal, Illinois with both a BS and MS in Education. She taught 2nd grade low achievers, and 2nd and 3rd grade academically gifted students in the Joliet, Illinois Public School System. She served as a Community Worker at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, Washington, D.C., then attended and earned a Master of Divinity at The Lutheran Theological Seminary, Gettysburg, PA.
Laura was ordained in 1985, and served as the Associate Pastor of Bethany Lutheran, Forestville, MD, the solo and then Senior Pastor of Resurrection Lutheran, Roxbury (Boston), MA, the Pastor at All Saints Lutheran, Baltimore, MD, as the Associate Pastor at The Lutheran Church of God’s Love, Newtown, PA., and shared leadership as a pastor developer with her husband Jerrett, at Journey of Faith Church, Baltimore.
Now retired, Laura enjoys reading, cooking and travel. With Jerrett, she has two daughters, six grandsons, a granddaughter, and a Goldendoodle puppy, Oliver.
Ms. Effie Burt, Music Educator
A lifelong vocalist, Effie Burt was born and raised in Oxford, Mississippi as one of twelve musically gifted siblings. An international artist, Ms. Burt has graced stages from Beale Street to Cuba. Her range and style is diverse and engaging. She’s performed as a featured vocalist with symphony orchestras in both Iowa and Tennessee. And has also performed for a number of high-profile political events hosted by Governors, Senators and most notably, former Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama.
A composer as well, in 2000 Ms. Burt composed the theme song for Iowa’s All–State African-American festival, “I’ll Make Me a World in Iowa." And in 2006, in an historic, unanimous vote, her song was adopted by the Iowa State Legislature as an official song for the State of Iowa.
Other songs composed by Ms. Burt include, “Let the Blues Walk on by” and “Tell Me”, which both appeared on Bob Dorr’s Blues Compilation Album. In 1999, Effie released her first original gospel song “Written Amongst the Tears” to accompany the novel of the same name by author, Beverly Johnson. Effie was also featured on the Perfect Place Gospel album produced by Ricky Birkhead a professor of music at the University of Mississippi.
Effie can be found performing locally at venues like Thacker Mountain Theater and traveling throughout the south, with either of her two most treasured accompanists: ten-piece cover band, The Soultones and 3 piece jazz ensemble, Az Jazz. Having performed at festivals and events in countries like Martinique, Jamaica and Cuba, Effie looks forward to her European tour with stops in Paris and London.
A lifelong vocalist, Effie Burt was born and raised in Oxford, Mississippi as one of twelve musically gifted siblings. An international artist, Ms. Burt has graced stages from Beale Street to Cuba. Her range and style is diverse and engaging. She’s performed as a featured vocalist with symphony orchestras in both Iowa and Tennessee. And has also performed for a number of high-profile political events hosted by Governors, Senators and most notably, former Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama.
A composer as well, in 2000 Ms. Burt composed the theme song for Iowa’s All–State African-American festival, “I’ll Make Me a World in Iowa." And in 2006, in an historic, unanimous vote, her song was adopted by the Iowa State Legislature as an official song for the State of Iowa.
Other songs composed by Ms. Burt include, “Let the Blues Walk on by” and “Tell Me”, which both appeared on Bob Dorr’s Blues Compilation Album. In 1999, Effie released her first original gospel song “Written Amongst the Tears” to accompany the novel of the same name by author, Beverly Johnson. Effie was also featured on the Perfect Place Gospel album produced by Ricky Birkhead a professor of music at the University of Mississippi.
Effie can be found performing locally at venues like Thacker Mountain Theater and traveling throughout the south, with either of her two most treasured accompanists: ten-piece cover band, The Soultones and 3 piece jazz ensemble, Az Jazz. Having performed at festivals and events in countries like Martinique, Jamaica and Cuba, Effie looks forward to her European tour with stops in Paris and London.
ETA Tour Manager: Craig Zimanske
Craig Zimanske, a tour manager (TBA) from Educational Travel Adventures will be a part of the team to make sure that everything runs as smoothly as possible. Craig will manage the meals, hotels, bus schedule, museum entrance, and all the other logistic details of the trip.
Arrivals and Departures into Birmingham
Arrival
This Pilgrimage begins at 2:00 Wednesday afternoon, November 8, 2023. If you cannot get a flight into Birmingham that arrives before 2:00 pm, contact us at [email protected]. You might need to make your own arrangements to stay overnight Saturday night in Birmingham.
Departure
The bus will return to the Birmingham airport by 2:00 pm on Sunday, November 12. We recommend that you book a return flight that departs at 4:00 pm or later. Although it's possible that you could make an earlier flight, we cannot guarantee it. Please contact us at [email protected] if you have questions about your departure time.
This Pilgrimage begins at 2:00 Wednesday afternoon, November 8, 2023. If you cannot get a flight into Birmingham that arrives before 2:00 pm, contact us at [email protected]. You might need to make your own arrangements to stay overnight Saturday night in Birmingham.
Departure
The bus will return to the Birmingham airport by 2:00 pm on Sunday, November 12. We recommend that you book a return flight that departs at 4:00 pm or later. Although it's possible that you could make an earlier flight, we cannot guarantee it. Please contact us at [email protected] if you have questions about your departure time.
Registration Information
The Living Legacy Project is partnering with Educational Travel Adventures (ETA) to manage registration and logistical planning for the 2023 November Alabama Pilgrimage. ETA is an experienced tour company who will ensure that you have a comfortable journey so you can focus places you'll be visiting and the powerful stories you'll be hearing.
Registration deadline is September 15, 2023We expect trip will fill up so register early to secure your seat.
Registration deadline is September 15, 2023We expect trip will fill up so register early to secure your seat.
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Registration Rates
All inclusive (except for transportation from your home to and from Birmingham).
Package Includes:
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How to Register1. Visit ETA'swebsite at: https://www.etadventures.com/
Click the green button in the top right hand corner "Log in to myETA" Trip Code: llpnov23 Password: civilrightsnov23 2. Click on the Red Button that says "Make a new reservation" 3. Complete the information and continue to follow the instructions to complete your registration. 4. Once you have completed your reservation, you will come to a page with tabs at the top, click on the "Passengers" tab. 5. On the Passengers tab, click on the "Waiver Incomplete View/Edit" button. 6. Completed all required information in the Waiver. You can log out and log back in to finish the waiver at a later date using the reservation information emailed to you. Questions?
If you're already registered, ETA'S excellent customer service is available for any questions you have about the registration process, travel insurance, or other needs you may have.
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Cancellation Policy
All deposits and payments are non-refundable. Trip cancellation insurance is available when you register and is strongly recommended. It enables you and your traveling companion to receive a full refund if you cancel due to a family or medical emergency. If you purchase the trip cancellation insurance and you are cancelling for a non-medical/family emergency reason, you will be covered under our "Cancel For Any Reason Program" and can still receive a 70% refund of your payments made. It also provided coverage in the event your trip is delayed due to an airline flight cancelation resulting from weather or mechanical failure.
Insurance enables individuals to cancel and receive a full refund in the event of a family or medical emergency. Insurance providing medical coverage while traveling, baggage loss and trip delay is already included with your package. Trip cancellation must be purchased within 15 days of making your reservation. It is recommended that you purchase it at the time you reserve. For further information, please see our detailed insurance document. You may purchase travel insurance on-line during the reservation process.
All deposits and payments are non-refundable. Trip cancellation insurance is available when you register and is strongly recommended. It enables you and your traveling companion to receive a full refund if you cancel due to a family or medical emergency. If you purchase the trip cancellation insurance and you are cancelling for a non-medical/family emergency reason, you will be covered under our "Cancel For Any Reason Program" and can still receive a 70% refund of your payments made. It also provided coverage in the event your trip is delayed due to an airline flight cancelation resulting from weather or mechanical failure.
Insurance enables individuals to cancel and receive a full refund in the event of a family or medical emergency. Insurance providing medical coverage while traveling, baggage loss and trip delay is already included with your package. Trip cancellation must be purchased within 15 days of making your reservation. It is recommended that you purchase it at the time you reserve. For further information, please see our detailed insurance document. You may purchase travel insurance on-line during the reservation process.
Sponsor another participant |
Apply for a scholarship |
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We encourage those who are privileged by means of their color or economic advantage to contribute a full or partial registration to our Living Legacy Project Scholarship Fund. This amount will allow a person whose life has been impacted by color discrimination, by the legacy of enslavement and/or racism, or through economic disenfranchisement to fully participate in the pilgrimage. All of us will be richer for this generosity.
The value of this Living Legacy Pilgrimage is priceless. By donating toward the cost of the trip, you have an opportunity to take concrete action toward healing the wounds of racism. |
A limited amount of scholarship aid may be available to assist those who do not have the financial resources to afford the full cost of the Pilgrimage. Please complete the scholarship application as fully as possible. Scholarship decisions will be based on the information provided in this application. The number and the amount of the scholarships offered depend on the generosity of our donors.
All scholarship recipients must pay a minimum of $50 toward registration and most are expected to pay more. Applications that demonstrate how you might raise additional funds will be reviewed more favorably. Travel expenses are not included. However, don't forget to calculate the cost of round-trip travel to Birmingham in deciding how much of the registration fee to request. Note: Scholarship awards apply to double-occupancy only. If you do not have someone to room with, a roommate will be assigned to you. The deadline for receipt of scholarship applications is August 15, 2023. Following notification of grant awards, a completed registration form and the balance of fees are due by September 15, 2023. |
