A special thanks from the 2025 Marching Toward Justice class to all the museums mentioned below for their flexible schedules. This trip wouldn't have been possible without you, and we sincerely appreciate it. We’d also like to thank both our tour guide, Mettina Van der Veen, and our bus driver, Mika McClain, whom we booked through Grand Classroom. Without them, we would’ve never been able to see half the museums we did. From getting us to our hotels to directing us towards dinner, Mettina and Mika were truly the staples of the entire trip, and we wish them nothing but the best for their future endeavors.

We’d also like to extend a huge thank you to our third chaperone, Mr. Raghunathan, for joining us on the trip and taking the time out of his summer to be with us. Lastly, we’d like to thank Ms. McLaren for giving us the chance to participate in this trip by providing us with the Civil Engagement Grant straight from the Wellington Fund. The community elevates Wellington's culture of innovation. The Wellington Fund allows generous donors to elevate the experience of today's students through an annual gift. Without this, we would’ve never had the opportunity to do this trip, so from the bottom of our hearts, we thank you.

The Students of Marching Towards Justice

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16th Street Baptist Church
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A.G. Gaston Motel
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Bethel Baptist Church
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Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
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Centennial Park
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Civil Rights Memorial - Montgomery
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Freedom Hall Museum
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Freedom Monument Sculpture Park
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Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church
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Kelly Ingram Park
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Legacy Museum - Montgomery
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Legacy Museum at Tuskegee University
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Lowndes County Interpretive Center
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Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park

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National Memorial for Peace and Justice
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National Voting Rights Museum and Institute

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Old Depot Museum
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Rosa Parks Museum
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Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site
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The National Voting Rights Museum and Institute in Selma, Alabama, has faced significant challenges recently. The city of Selma has experienced a significant population decline, dating back to the 1960s. The museum has applied for funding from the state and local levels, but has not received a response. They have been struggling to find workers and keep their doors open.

Throughout our stay at the museum, Faya Ora Rose Touré, the other owner, emphasized to us that we, the youth of our generation, are the future and that our youth will guide the world forward. Even at the age of 80, it felt like she was the youngest and most youthful person in the room. She brought light and spirit into the room, engulfing us in her presence. While we were there, Ms. Touré told us about the vandalism right outside (before and after photos shown below) and how the museum had been struggling for a while now.

This museum is a living, breathing monument on the soil where history took place. Not only is it situated on historical grounds where Bloody Sunday occurred, but it is also independently owned by a woman and a man who have firsthand experience of the Civil Rights Movement. Their untold stories need to thrive in the present day to enable society to have a deeper understanding of the democracy of this country. What makes this museum so important and different from the rest is that it's intimate. Unlike other museums, this one offers a more personal experience, thanks to its openness and approachable nature, treating you like a neighbor and allowing you to connect with each artifact and the museum's owners. You can ask any questions you have during your stay, and they will even sing songs during the tour.

Fortunately, we were able to reconnect with Lashunda Brown, one of the tour guides! With this connection we have thankfully been able to join in support of their GoFundMe. The link is to the right —>

Before vs. After being Vandalized

Black paint was thrown across Barack Obama’s face on the mural(s) surrounding the museum.