Posts Tagged ‘civil rights’

Just Conversations

Thursday, June 25th, 2026

Just Conversations: Civil Rights – a four-part virtual series

You are invited to ground your heart and mind in the powerful history of the American South. Whether you are traveling on the upcoming Civil Rights Pilgrimage or simply want to engage in deep, meaningful community dialogue, be part of “Just Conversations: Civil Rights.”

This four-part, drop-in series explores the profound stories, landmark struggles, and enduring legacy of four pivotal locations in Alabama. Through public-accessible media resources—including short documentaries and powerful interviews—and open discussion, we will explore the intersection of historical truth and modern-day justice.

Why “Just” Conversations?

The name has a double meaning: these are simply conversations—informal, drop-in spaces where you can show up exactly as you are. But they are also conversations about justice—how the history of these four places continues to call us toward equity, faith-filled action, and racial healing today.

Series Schedule & Focus Cities

This is a Zoom-only series meeting on Tuesday evenings at 7 pm EST. Use the same ZOOM LINK for each meeting.

Watch the assigned media in advance and join the conversation:

• July 14, 2026 | Birmingham: The Power of Youth
  • Focus: We will center our conversation around the historic Children’s March, examining how the courage of young people shifted the momentum of the movement in Birmingham.

  • Watch The Children’s March, in advance and then join us on Zoom @ 7 pm for discussion.

• Aug. 4, 2026 | Selma: Bridge to Freedom
  • Focus: Diving into the footage of Eyes on the Prize, we will reflect on the strategic, painful, and triumphant road from Selma to Montgomery that ultimately led to the Voting Rights Act.

  • Watch Eyes on the Prize in advance and then join us on Zoom @ 7 pm for discussion.

• Aug. 25, 2026 | Montgomery: Legacy and Equal Justice
  • Focus: We will explore the work of the Equal Justice Initiative in Montgomery, featuring insights from civil rights attorney Bryan Stevenson on how we reckon with our past to heal our future. 
  • Watch “Tell Me More with Kelly Corrigan | Bryan Stevenson” in advance and then join us on Zoom @ 7 pm for discussion.
• Sept. 22, 2026 | Tuskegee: Excellence, Honor, and Reckoning
  • Focus: Our final session looks at Tuskegee, including the heroic legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen, a controversial military initiative designed to measure African-Americans’ competence for flying. 
  • Watch Fly Boys: Western Pennsylvania’s Tuskegee Airmen in advance and then join us on Zoom @ 7 pm for discussion.

Civil Rights Pilgrimage

Monday, May 4th, 2026

A seven-day trip to five cities in the south that saw the most pivotal moments of the civil rights movements. Trip organized by the Church & Society Committee at First United Methodist Church – Brighton & Whitmore Lake through Educational Opportunities. Through visits, study and conversation we’ll share the journey of learning to better understand our history as a country and how the past informs the present and the future.

Download Brochure

Link to slides from information session

Dates: Jan. 30-Feb. 5, 2027

Costs: $2,159 per person for double occupancy (add $610 for single room)

• Includes first class hotels (six nights), 12 meals, entrance fees, tour guides, deluxe motorcoaches and more
• Additional costs: Your travel to/from Atlanta and some meals, driver/guide gratuities

Registration link  ($100 deposit required)

Info Meeting-Civil Rights Pilgrimage

Monday, March 9th, 2026

Come and learn more about a possible February 2027 Civil Rights Pilgrimage to Atlanta, Montgomery, Selma and Birmingham. Once we know we have a core group of interested travelers, we’ll get a specific quote. 2026 quotes were around $2,000 per person for double occupancy (plus airfare or travel expenses). 

This meeting will be in person and online (Zoom link).

If you cannot attend but are interested, please send an email to justice@brightonfumc.org or complete the form on this page: Civil Rights Tour