This spring break, six students and three of our staff members went on a Civil Rights Pilgrimage visiting Jackson, MS, Selma, AL, and Montgomery, AL. Our trip began with a long-haul drive to Jackson, where Saturday morning we went to the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum. The museum explores the history of the civil rights movement in Mississippi, as well as giving crucial background information to the history of slavery in the United States.

Then we traveled to Selma, where we got to walk across the Edmund Pettus Bridge to learn more about the activists that lived in Selma. The trip continued with dinner in Montgomery, where three women who are active advocates within the community encouraged our students to harness the passion and power they feel for the betterment of society.

Sunday morning began with worship at Dexter Avenue King Memorial Church and concluded with trips to the Equal Justice Initiative Museum and the National Memorial for Peace and Justice (also known as the Lynching Memorial). A formative (and transformative) long weekend, we wanted to give our students an opportunity to share their experience(s) as well as thank you for your contribution and support of the Texas Wesley. Here are some testimonials from students.

“This trip changed my perspective on all things history and social justice. I came into the trip nervous and unsure of what to expect– I left feeling both informed and empowered! I learned about the urgency of the issues at hand, had meaningful conversations, and– most of all– saw how I could make a difference”  
-Amy Manning, sophomore
 

“This trip was pivotal for the journey I am on right now. As someone who has spent a lot of time thinking about the role I play in the world around me, this trip helped me see the ways that I can change my community for the better and use my gifts to help those around me. As well, this trip and the Sunday worship service at Dexter Ave King Memorial was potentially the most pivotal moment in my relationship with God. After this trip, I feel like I have a new lease on life and a new determination to be an active participant in the forward momentum of societal change, and I am incredibly fortunate that I got to share this time with Pastor Ray Jordan and my friends here at the Texas Wesley.”
-Michael Payton, senior


“I had such a good time on the Civil Rights Pilgrimage! I was able to get closer to the people that went, which I am so grateful for. I also learned so much about the Civil Rights Movement and how it impacted people. I now have a better understanding of how people were treated, and just how horrible it was. I know I can help to make a difference with my generation by loving others and treating others with the same respect I would want to be treated. Overall, I am so glad I went on this trip and would love to do it again someday! I definitely recommend that if you get the chance to go, please do!”
-Kennedy Funk, sophomore


“As my time at the Wesley comes to an end, I am incredibly grateful I got to take this last trip with the students, David, Austin, and Pastor Ray. This trip not only reinforced my passion for social justice, but equipped me with the tools to educate and inform people in my life about experiences that, while we may not have had firsthand, shape how we interact with our country and community.”
-Katie Payne, ministry intern