

Overview
America is deeply divided. Tensions exist within and between many of our communities, and we are finding it increasingly harder to listen to those on the other side of the aisle—whether that aisle is political, racial, economic, or religious. The American Pilgrimage explores how the seeds of our division were sown at the noble yet contradictory beginning of our American story.
The Telos team will guide you through an experience where you will look at the past to help to understand our present realities in order to know how to engage in reconciling culture-making for a better tomorrow.
Gather in Congo Square
Our trip will start in Congo Square, a place where enslaved people gathered on Sundays during French colonial times and where American music has its roots.

Welcome & Historical Briefing
VISIT STUDIO Be GALLERY
Studio Be is a 35,000 sq. ft warehouse housing the first solo show of visual artist Brandan 'BMike' Odums.
Visit the Vera Institute of Justice
Meet with the Vera Institute about the work they are doing to reform the criminal justice system.
Drive to Jackson, MS
We'll have approximately a 3 hour drive to Jackson, MS.
Dinner with Local Leaders in Jackson
We will meet with community leaders and activists in Jackson, MS to learn from them and their stories.
Worship service at New Horizon Church International
We will take part in a Worship service at New Horizon Church International with Bishop Ronnie Crudup.
Tour Mississippi Civil Rights Museum
Mississippi is one of the hubs for significant civil rights struggle and progress both locally and nationally.

Visit Medgar Evers House
Visit to the house where Medgar Evers and his family lived and where he was assassinated.
Dinner with Local Activists in Jackson
We will meet with community leaders and activists in Jackson, MS to learn from them and their stories.
Drive to Selma, Alabama
Show moreWalk across Edmund Pettus Bridge
The Edmond Pettus Bridge is the place where "Bloody Sunday" happened on March 7, 1965.
Selma Center for Nonviolence, Truth and Reconciliation
We will spend time in a workshop on Nonviolence and Racial Equity Training led by Anika Jackson and her staff.

Tour of Montgomery
We will participate in an alternative tour of Montgomery led by Michelle Browder.

Tour the Legacy Museum & the National Memorial to Peace and Justice
The Museum and Memorial were curated by the Equal Justice Initiative, founded by Bryan Stevenson. In this museum, we will explore the history of slavery, segregation, and mass incarceration. The Memorial honors the memory of the victims of racial terror lynchings.
Wrap-up and Processing
We will process our time together and discuss the next steps of the journey in reconciliation and peacemaking.