In January our UrbanTrekkers group embarked on their second Trek of the year!
This Trek, thoughtfully planned during the week of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, was a historical journey through the state of Alabama. With a focus on Civil Rights, students had an opportunity to visit several landmarks in Montgomery and in Selma.
In Montgomery the group made a stop at Dexter Avenue Church where Dr. King pastored from 1954-1960. Students had a chance to hear from Wanda, a tour guide who attends the church, and stand where Dr. King preached and organized.
“I stood in awe of the reality that this was the place where [Dr. King] came to prominence by serving this church. And even more so in awe of the folks who sat in the pews, many of whom still attend, and were motivated to action, sacrifice and love. ”
““My favorite moments were when we would eat together. I feel like we had the best conversations when we were all eating together.” ”
Also in Montgomery the group had a chance to visit The Legacy Museum and The Lynching Memorial. After a heavy day, they spent intentional time conversing and reflecting on our nation’s history, how it impacts our lives today, and how we can seek a more just and equitable future together.
To round out the experience, the Trekkers had an opportunity to visit the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma with Dianne, a very special tour guide who, in 1965, was a 15-year-old “foot soldier” actively involved in the resistance centered there.
Dianne was in the back of the line that attempted to march across the Edmund Pettus Bridge on “Bloody Sunday” (March 7, 1965) but never stepped foot on the bridge due to the “blue wall”.
She and her younger brother were chased all the way up the steps of Brown AME church about a mile down the road after trying to help an older woman escape the terror of the deputies, but to no avail. The older lady told them to run ahead of her as she wasn’t going to make it back to the church. They turned back to see her being clubbed by a deputy on horseback, who then proceeded to chase them all the way up the church steps.
Thankfully she is still here to lead tours and tell her story and the story of so many other courageous and fearless people who were willing to face even death for what was right and just.
Many of our StreetLeaders reflected on how she was just a teenager — their age! — during her powerful, courageous experience.
“I liked the day in Selma because we saw and heard Dianne’s perspective on Bloody Sunday from her own life experiences.”
“My favorite moments on the Trek were when I got to hangout with Wanda, Dianne, and my roommates. They reminded me to be free and that God has everything in control.”
Thank you so much to our UrbanPromise supporters who help make trips like this possible for our students! This experience was one that students, staff, and volunteers will certainly carry with them moving forward.
“Our time in Montgomery and Selma was rich, inspiring, deeply troubling and hopeful all at once. At each stop on our tour, I was struck by the courage of everyday people as they stood up for what was right and implored the world to pay attention.”