The TWK Anti-Racism Coalition recently sponsored a Racial Healing Pilgrimage in Memphis, TN., “WISDOM THEN AND NOW: FROM EMBERS TO FIRE. The Importance of Racial Justice and Beloved Community in Troubled Times, Past – Present – Future.”
The three-day pilgrimage was organized by Signposts. Pilgrims were guided by the grace and wisdom of Dr. Catherine Meeks on a journey of racial healing through story sharing, art, music, lived experience, and interpretative theater. Several Metro District churches provided sponsorships as well.
An ecumenical group of 50 or so pilgrims gathered each morning at the historic Centenary United Methodist Church for morning worship, conversation with Dr. Meeks, and story-sharing in small groups.
After lunch each day, the Pilgrims boarded buses and visited historical sites connected to the long journey of racial healing. Sites included Stax Museum, Ida B. Wells historical marker, The People’s Grocery historical marker, Claiborne Temple, Metropolitan Baptist Church, Calvary Episcopal Church, and the site of a notorious slave auction site in downtown Memphis.
Along the way Pilgrims heard first person stories, remembrances, and historical information.
There was time set aside for small group conversations and extended conversations with Dr. Meeks. The interpretative theater troupe, EveryStory, performed an improvisational skit based on the experiences of the pilgrims.
The Anti-Racism Coalition and Signposts are planning another Justice Pilgrimage to historic sites in Montgomery and Selma, Alabama, for February 2026. Watch conference communications for more information closer to that date.
Story and photos submitted by Rev. Larry Chitwood
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