North Alabama Day at the Museum planned for May
In an effort to continue the North Alabama Conference’s work to dismantle racism, the Advocacy for Social Justice Team is planning a “North Alabama Conference Day at the Museum” at the Legacy Museum and National Memorial for Peace and Justice in Montgomery, Alabama. Mark your calendar for May 18, 2024, to visit these two sites with other United Methodists from North Alabama. Museum admission is $5.50. Children six and younger are free.
“It’s vital that we better understand the roots of racism” said Rev. Kevin Thomas, chair of the Advocacy for Social Justice Team. “This powerful experience will immerse us in the history of slavery in America and expose how it evolved into segregation and mass incarceration.”
Participants may make their own schedule based on what time they plan to arrive and how long they estimate it will take to have a full experience at each location. A visit to the Memorial for Peace and Justice will take about an hour and a half to two hours. The Legacy Museum can take as long as three to four hours, depending on how much time is spent at the many exhibits on display. Those coming from further away are encouraged to visit the memorial first and the museum after lunch, while people closer to Montgomery can more easily visit the museum in the morning. Visitors should park at whichever location they decide to visit first. The museum provides a free shuttle between the two locations.
An on-site restaurant at the Museum serves an affordable “meat-and-three” lunch, and other restaurants within walking distance of the museum can serve as gathering spots as well. Planning in advance and making reservations for large groups is recommended.
In 2019, the Conference passed a resolution for a Pilgrimage to the National Memorial for Peace and Justice. This event will offer a perfect opportunity for churches which have not yet made that pilgrimage to do so with other churches in the Conference.
“Following the trip to Montgomery, each district will host discussions about how we might learn from our past and take concrete steps to lean into a healthier future,” said Rev. Thomas.
For more information and to assist those interested in the trip make plans, visit the Organization’s website.