2026-27 Racial Justice History Youth Learning Journey

Travel Dates: June 18–24, 2027

In 2026–27, South Church youth will embark on a learning journey to Alabama to deepen understanding of racial justice, the Civil Rights Movement, and how that history shapes issues we face today, including mass incarceration and systemic racism.

Through visits to historic sites, and museums, and meeting people who live in the areas we visit, we will explore the courage and organizing of those who fought for civil rights, reflect on the ongoing impact of racism, and consider how this history calls us to work for justice today.

Places we plan to visit include:

  • Birmingham: 16th Street Baptist Church, Kelly Ingram Park, and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute.
  • Selma: The Edmund Pettus Bridge and the historic route of the 1965 Selma-to-Montgomery voting rights march.
  • Montgomery: The National Memorial for Peace and Justice and The Legacy Museum, which explore the history and legacy of racial injustice in the United States.

Cost and Financial Support

The projected cost is approximately $1,000 per participant. This is an estimate; we expect to have a clearer understanding of the final cost as planning progresses. 

Fundraising is an essential part of this experience. Participating youth are required to complete at least 18 hours of fundraising during the program year. Parents and caregivers of participating youth are also asked to help coordinate at least one fundraising event each. Families should sign up asap for this no later than the trip commitment due date, preferably before.

Scholarship funds are available to help cover some or all of the cost for families for whom the financial commitment would otherwise be a barrier. Please reach out to discuss financial concerns.

All youth are welcome and encouraged to participate in fundraising, whether or not they ultimately join the trip. These events are fun and a great way to bond with peers in smaller group settings.

Required Learning Sessions

Participation includes attending preparatory learning sessions throughout the year. These gatherings will help youth and families build historical understanding, prepare for the experience, build capacity for navigating hard conversations, and finalize trip plans.

Youth, please plan to attend the following sessions:

  • November 22, 2026 — 4:00–6:00 p.m.
  • December 13, 2026 — 4:00–6:00 p.m.
  • March 7, 2027 — 4:00–6:00 p.m. 
  • April 11, 2027 — 4:00–6:00 p.m.
  • June 13, 2027 — 4:00-6:00 p.m. (Final gathering and trip preparation)

If you cannot attend a session, or if you have questions or concerns about committing to the journey, please contact Jen Del Deo-Barry or Kirsten Hunter.

Resources to Learn More

If you’re considering this journey, reading a book beforehand is a wonderful way to deepen your experience. Choose whichever interests you:

  • SNCC- The New Abolitionists, by Howard Zinn
  • The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson (this is excellent on Audiobook- read by the author)
  • Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi
  • Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson (also available in a young adult edition, as an audiobook, and as a movie)
  • Citizen: An American Lyric, by Claudia Rankine
  • The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander
  • A More Beautiful and Terrible History by Jeanne Theoharis
  • Between the World and Me, by Ta-Nehisi Coates