FAITH & POLITICS INSTITUTE LEADS BIPARTISAN CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION TO ALABAMA FOR ANNUAL CIVIL RIGHTS PILGRIMAGE

[Washington, D.C.] March 25, 2024 – The Faith & Politics Institute, a leading non-profit organization fostering common ground among Members of Congress, business executives, and communities dedicated to compassion and collaboration in political life, successfully hosted its Annual Congressional Civil Rights Pilgrimage from March 1 to 3 in Birmingham, Montgomery, and Selma, Alabama. Seventeen Members of Congress, scores of corporate executives, civil rights luminaries, John Robert Lewis Scholars, Fellows & Leaders, and local government officials participated in the transformative journey retracing the footsteps of civil rights leaders.

The pilgrimage, a poignant tribute to the legacy of John R. Lewis, included visits to the 16th Street Baptist Church, Frank M. Johnson Courthouse, the Edmund Pettus Bridge, and the Equal Justice Initiative’s Legacy Museum. Distinguished speakers included Bryan Stevenson, the Executive Director of the Equal Justice Initiative, the accomplished baseball historian and author Phil S. Dixon, and Willie King, who played a pivotal role in the publication of Martin Luther King Jr.’s “Letter from Birmingham Jail” as his secretary. Adding a familial resonance to the experience, Reverend Fred Shuttlesworth’s three daughters and the daughters of Ralph Abernathy Sr. shared testimonies with pilgrimage participants. Notable moments included remarks on the Edmund Pettus Bridge from Sheyann Webb Christburg, the youngest participant in the marches of 1965, and a captivating performance from the 'Voice of Selma,' Bettie Mae Fikes. The pilgrimage also featured insightful remarks from 11th Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Joel Dubina, historian Raymond Arsenault, and more.

Reflecting on the impact of this year’s pilgrimage, Dr. Robert Wilson-Black, President and CEO of the Faith & Politics Institute, expressed gratitude to Alabama’s U.S. Senator Katie Britt for welcoming the delegation at the Saturday night dinner. He also thanked Honorary Chairman, U.S. Representative James Clyburn for "sharing his inspiring personal reflections throughout," pilgrimage host U.S. Representative Terri Sewell for "her strong leadership of the pilgrimage," FPI board chairman David Marventano of Fluor for "his indefatigable efforts over the past decade in guiding us to this place," and Sergeant at Arms of the United States House of Representatives William McFarland for “his continued commitment and service, ensuring the safety of participants on this transformative experience.”

This year's pilgrimage engaged over 250 participants from diverse backgrounds, generations, and ideologies, collectively reflecting on the progress of the Civil Rights Movement and the ongoing work needed for a more perfect union. “The Faith & Politics Institute’s Congressional Civil Rights Pilgrimage stands as a testament to the spirit of the individuals who stood up for justice in 1965,” said Congressman Jay Obernolte (CA-23).  “The non-violent protestors dreamed of a brighter future, one where the principles of liberty, equality, and justice were universally applied to all Americans – regardless of the color of their skin.  I am proud to be a part of the bipartisan congressional delegation that participated in this pilgrimage, and I firmly believe that the legacy of the Selma to Montgomery marches will continue to guide our country towards a more perfect union.”

“I am honored and humbled to once again be with the Faith & Politics Institute for their Annual Civil Rights Pilgrimage,” said U.S. Representative Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05). “This year’s theme of highlighting the difference one person can make in building the Beloved Community beautifully reflects the mission of my dear friend and brother John Lewis, and all those who worked alongside him to advance civil rights in this country. For over 17 years now, I’ve been proud to partner with FPI to promote and practice our shared values: justice, fairness, acceptance, and love. I look forward to continuing my work with FPI and fighting in Congress for a more equitable world.”

Presenting sponsors American Airlines, NIKE, Inc., and RTX, with program sponsor Amazon, played a crucial role in enabling immersive learning, and the Faith & Politics Institute looks forward to welcoming additional sponsors for next year’s pilgrimage, the 60th anniversary of the Selma to Montgomery Voting Rights March. The Faith & Politics Institute staff and Board extend gratitude to its sponsors, speakers, and participating Members of Congress.

Participants included:

Members of Congress:

Senator Katie Britt (R-AL), Senator Laphonza Butler (D-CA), House Assistant Leader James E. Clyburn (D-SC), House Minority Whip Katherine Clark (D-MA), Representative Jacob Auchincloss (D-MA), Representative Nikki Budzinski (D-IL), Representative Ben Cline (R-VA), Representative Steven Horsford (D-NV), Representative Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD), Representative Jonathan Jackson (D-IL), Representative Joseph Morelle (D-NY), Representative Joe Neguse (D-CO), Representative Jay Obernolte (R-CA), Representative Terri Sewell (D-AL), and Representative Melanie Stansbury (D-NM).

Attending Board Members:

Robert Wilson-Black, David Marventano, Craig Emmanuel, Dan Keniry, Jennifer Bendall, Jane Campbell, Nate Gatten, Shanda Hinton, Alison Jones, Rob G. Liberatore, Tiffany M. Moore, Martha Roby, and Diane Dalton Warren.

About the Faith & Politics Institute: The Faith & Politics Institute serves Members of Congress, business leaders, scholars and varied stakeholders by offering nonpartisan immersive pilgrimages and private forums focused on celebrating common ground in our public life. Through their bipartisan work including the John Robert Lewis Scholars and Fellows program, the FPI bridges divides across the political landscape of our country. For more information, visit www.faithandpolitics.org.

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For media inquiries, contact: Claire Frueauff
Email: claire@curleycompany.com
Phone: 501-352-7252

FPI's 2023 End of Year Wrap Up

As we prepare to ring in 2024, The Faith and Politics Institute team reflects on the year behind us as we carry our work forward into the next chapter. At FPI we continue to think deeply about our impact and how we can act as a force for good. Throughout 2023, FPI prioritized engaging with Members of Congress, the changemakers of the historic Civil Rights Movement and the leaders of tomorrow to cultivate mutual respect, moral reflection, increased understanding and honest conversation to advance productive discourse and constructive collaboration.

In March of 2023, FPI, Members of Congress and their families, esteemed sponsors and participants of the John Robert Lewis Scholars & Fellows program embarked on our annual Congressional Civil Rights pilgrimage to Alabama. Throughout three transformative days in Birmingham, Selma, and Montgomery, historic locations at the heart of the Civil Rights Movement, the group engaged with the movements that shaped American history and initiated profound discussions on shared values and steps forward as a nation. Although the Honorable John R. Lewis is no longer with us, his legacy and spirit were carried throughout the pilgrimage as the minds of today and tomorrow congregated to chart a brighter path forward.

During 2023 we also welcomed the most recent (3rd!) cohort of the John Robert Lewis Scholars, Fellows & Leaders program. This impressive group of program participants enthusiastically stepped into their roles, learning hands-on from ambassadors, Civil Rights luminaries, and inspiring corporate executives while participating in FPI events and pilgrimages. They were busy exchanging knowledge, experiences, and perspectives with one another. Growing into a tight knit family over the course of the year, Cohort 3 continued to practice empathy, respect, and kindness with one another as they ventured through each stage of the program. Members of the group graduated with an elevated confidence in their abilities to make meaningful social impact and heightened skills that will allow them to be transformative change makers – leadership, integrity, responsibility, understanding, empathy, and critical thinking all within the framework of nonviolence as a way of life.

This reflection also adds to our excitement as we turn to the events and moments ahead in the new year. Our annual Congressional Civil Rights pilgrimage to Alabama takes place March 1-3 2024. Including Members of Congress, esteemed sponsors, social justice advocates and thought-leaders, the journey will again take participants through the landmarks and moments that shaped the Civil Rights Movement. Against the backdrop of American history, the pilgrimage both contends with our nation’s past as a deeply fractured country and celebrates our strides towards unity, respect, and equality.

In 2024 we welcome a new Cohort for the The John Robert Lewis Scholars, Fellows & Leaders Program. This group of students, scholars and corporate leaders will help carry forward the legacy of John Robert Lewis, championing the principles of nonviolent advocacy, moral leadership, mutual respect, and understanding that “we all have roles to play”. We look forward to the impact of Cohort 4 as they embark on the comprehensive program and step into their roles as advocacy champions and changemakers.

FPI eagerly welcomes the year ahead, steadfast in our commitment to fostering collaboration and mutual respect that fuels progress.

The John Robert Lewis Scholars & Fellows Program is now accepting applications for 2024-2025

The Faith & Politics Institute (FPI) is a driving force for cooperation, empathy and progress in an increasingly polarized society. FPI’s scholars & fellows represent some of the nation’s brightest minds, committed to nonviolence and propelling their communities and government forward. Founded by the civil rights activist and icon John R. Lewis, FPI equips the next generation of changemakers with the skills, experiences, and confidence to build bridges in divided times.

"All of these people who are connected in this network are doing amazing work and are amazing people outside of their work with FPI in their respective fields, at their schools, in their communities.” – Bianca Torres Murray, John Robert Lewis Scholar, University of California Berkeley

“I love the FPI family, and the FPI community has really affected my life tremendously… it has been a huge source of inspiration for my hope and my vision for change in humanity, but also for my dream of one day becoming a leader.” – Kelvin Mbi, John Robert Lewis Fellow, Howard University School of Divinity

“FPI has been a foundational piece of me continuing to be willing and excited about the work that needs to be done.” – Lauren Tolbert, John Robert Lewis Scholar, Claflin University

“With FPI we are touching history, we are the continuation of that history. And that statement is super powerful, to say ‘I’ve touched where great leaders have been and where they stood and the things that they stood for, I’m a continuation of that.” – Terrell Respass, John Robert Lewis Leader, RTX

“I could see the characteristics that I've always wanted to be a part of in FPI by creating this cultural culture of service, this idea that we're servicing all of humanity rather than just one set agenda, and I think that's the beauty with FPI” – Jesus Murillo, John Robert Lewis Fellow, Harvard Divinity School

Applications for the Cohort 4 of the John Robert Lewis Scholars & Fellows Program are now open through November 1st. Click here to learn more about the program and how to apply!

Cohorts two and three outside the U.S. Capitol Building

John Robert Lewis Scholars, Fellows & Leaders with Congressman Jim Clyburn

Marisa Pryor (Center), Director of Educational Programs, with speakers Jennifer Lawson (Left) and Judy Richardson (Right), members of SNCC.

Why The Faith & Politics Institute’s Work Matters in Our Modern Political Landscape

Our modern political landscape is fraught with difference and divide, however FPI believes that we are the bridge builders who seek to close the divide by fostering environments that breed compassion, conscience, and courage. The mission of FPI is to cultivate mutual respect, moral reflection, increased understanding, and honest conversation among political leaders to advance productive discourse and constructive collaboration. Hear from a few of FPI’s John Robert Lewis Scholars, Fellows & Leaders to break down what that means to them and share their opinions about why FPI’s work is important.

Bipartisanship is not a Mood but a Joyful Discipline

Speaker Kevin McCarthy recently delivered a moving address in the Capitol’s Statuary Hall.  A bipartisan group gathered to celebrate the rollout of the new postage stamp in honor of civil rights icon Congressman John Lewis and as of July 21, 2023, the stamps are now available to the public by the United States Postal Service. McCarthy’s speech – delivered alongside remarks from Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries – demonstrates that it’s still possible to reach across the political divide splitting our nation. Political leaders must prioritize bipartisanship as a joyful discipline and use the model set forth by the late Rep. John Lewis to guide their actions and build bridges across the aisle to inspire future leaders to do the same.   

The latest Pew Research Center survey on political polarization reveals growing shares of both Republicans and Democrats believe members of the other party are more immoral, dishonest, and closed-minded than other Americans.  The same study shows nearly half of younger adults say they “wish there were more parties to choose from.”  In short, negative partisanship remains extensive and in many cases is increasing with neither political party being popular with the public. This is why it's critical for political leaders to prioritize bipartisanship. But how?

Compassion for each other.  Bipartisanship is hard work – a discipline – the kind of work that can be done joyfully, so long as it is done with the sweetness of friendship across party lines. Without friendship, it becomes a cold and empty word. Those familiar with the Speaker and Congressman Lewis saw them in fellowship together repeatedly, including on The Faith and Politics Institute’s annual Congressional Pilgrimage which we organize. McCarthy took the time to highlight Lewis’s strategic kindness in including McCarthy’s family in the march across the Edmund Pettus Bridge. McCarthy focused on their time together on the Selma trip during his speech, but their relationship did not start or end there.

Courage to take action.  Civil Rights should not be partisan, and no political party owns the historic Civil Rights Movement.  Historians remind us regularly that Democrats during the 1950s and 60s were not always the ones leading the way across the Edmund Pettus Bridge to a new tomorrow. One of the leading lights of the era was Republican Judge Frank Johnson, who paved the way for peaceful marches through his rulings in Montgomery, Alabama. We cannot merely utilize the lens of today’s politics to view the past. Yes, modern political parties certainly can reach back to take a side today but applying 2023 views to the actions of those in 1953 does a disservice to history and the movement. It ignores how difficult it was for those who stood up to Jim Crow to do what they did.  What is today accepted as obvious was a world-changing, unpopular stance in 1953.  We must not forget that.   

Conscience to strengthen our democracy.  The work of maintaining and improving our democracy is never done.  The Faith & Politics Institute has hosted over 300 Members of Congress on our pilgrimages – which have ranged from Senator James Lankford’s hosting in Tulsa to Senator Tim Scott and Congressman James Clyburn (our honorary co-chairman) hosting in Charleston.  They have ranged from pilgrimage co-host Congresswoman Terri Sewell, Senator Katie Britt and Congressman John Moolenaar breaking bread in Montgomery, Alabama to Senators Chris Coons and Amy Klobuchar and Congressman Steny Hoyer engaging in numerous pilgrimages since 1998. And yet, despite 25 years of leading Civil Rights pilgrimages for Members of Congress, there are many members who have not yet joined us and many places we still must visit.  We have not yet made our way to the Southern border, across the Trail of Tears, to Minnesota’s immigrant-rich state, and so many other examples of Civil Rights progress. Such locations inspire not only future pilgrimages for our nearly 100 John Robert Lewis scholars, fellows and leaders but also bipartisanship from our political leaders based on shared experiences.

Let us not lose sight of what can be done when we agree to stay connected to one another across the great divide.  You can now mail a letter with a stamp with John Lewis’ image on it, much like he did when he sent a letter to Dr. Martin Luther King as a young man, and Dr. King responded with a round-trip bus ticket to Montgomery and an invitation to meet him and join the civil rights movement. What will you do to prioritize bipartisanship and the lessons learned from John Lewis?

The John Robert Lewis July 2022 Program

The Faith & Politics Institute’s 2022 July program was a great success! We were so happy to get the inaugural Cohort of John Lewis Scholars and Fellows back together, as well as welcoming the second Cohort of Scholars, Fellows, and Rising Leaders. Over the course of four days in Washington DC, we visited many landmarks and historic sites, heard from amazing speakers, and came together as a beloved community, forming new friendships and strengthening our FPI family.

Day one was immediately full of excitement and joy as the inaugural Cohort of Scholars and Fellows reunited for the first time since FPI’s Civil Rights Pilgrimage in March. That evening we were joined by Michael Collins, who was John Lewis’s chief of staff for 20 years and is currently special assistant to the President of the United States, to listen to the Scholars and Fellows’ oral history presentations. The oral history projects are one of the most meaningful parts of the program, giving the Scholars, Fellows, and Rising Leaders the opportunity to connect more deeply into the work of people in our own communities, learning the stories of those who have been engaged in creating positive social change.

 On the morning of day two, Cohort one visited the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum and the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Once the new Cohort arrived in the afternoon, we all heard from Ms. Judy Richardson and Ms. Jennifer Lawson, who reflected on their leadership roles within SNCC and how their experiences during the Civil Rights Movement shaped their remarkable careers.

That evening the group gathered at Consumer Technology Association’s Innovation House for a reception. We heard from Congressmen Steny Hoyer and Fred Upton, Congresswoman Terri Sewell, and Cohort one Scholar Travis Waters and Fellow Nourel-Hoda Eidy about their reflections on the program.

 Day three was packed with exciting new experiences. It started with a visit to the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial to reflect on the wisdom of those who have gone before us and the strategies and practices we can integrate into the challenges of our current context. We then had lunch at the U.S. Capitol with the Honorable Cheryl Johnson, Clerk of the House of Representatives, and met Majority Whip James Clyburn, Congresswoman Terri Sewell, and Congressman Ruben Gallego. This opportunity to have dialogue between program participants and nonpartisan political leaders, grounded in Lewis’s nonviolent philosophy and King’s six principles, is one of the strengths of the program that will allow participants to become the most effective changemakers in their local communities. 

After lunch Cohort one stayed at the Capitol for the Mary McLeod Bethune Symposium to learn about her new statue unveiled that day, the first statue of a person of color nominated by a state (Florida) in the statuary hall. Cohort two visited the National Museum of African American History and Culture. In the evening James Laurie of the Flobots got everyone singing and clapping along with his session on creating current music of the movement and we listened to the soulful tunes of Vaughn Ambrose’s jazz quartet. Through their presentations, performances, and songs these incredible musicians helped us deepen our understanding and appreciation for the vital role that music has played in American Freedom Movements for the last 400 years and the strong role that it continues to play today.

Lastly everyone in the room felt the love and sense of community as certificates were given to the inaugural Cohort of John Lewis Scholars and Fellows. We are so proud of every single one of you!

The fourth and last day of the July program came so quickly, everybody wished it was longer! But there was enough time for a few more things. That morning we had the honor of hearing from Brenda Jones, primary speechwriter and lead communications strategist for the late Rep. John Lewis and current Senior Presidential Speechwriter. Her experiences with john Lewis were inspiring and she shared some great advice on careers in communications and politics.

As the program drew to a close the inaugural cohort shared reflections and guidance with Cohort two on how to make the most of this incredible opportunity. Although they have graduated from the John Lewis Scholars and Fellows Program the inaugural Cohort will always be a part of the Faith & Politics family and we can’t wait to see what incredible things they do in the future! As for Cohort two we had such a wonderful time getting to know you all and are excited to see you again virtually and for the Congressional Civil Rights pilgrimage in March!

Thank you everyone for participating in the Faith & Politics Institute’s John Robert Lewis July 2022 program and as you continue engaging in the work of building Beloved Community, don’t forget Ella Baker’s words: “Give light and people will find the way.”  You already have the light – let it shine! 

Thank You 2022 Summer Interns

The Faith & Politics Institute was lucky to have three amazing interns this summer: Mina Youssef, Asia Robinson, Kayliana Barbee. We would like to thank them for the hard work they put into making our John Robert Lewis programming run smoothly and for the new ideas and creativity they brought to the table. Here are some words from them about their experiences:

“Something I loved best about the internship was the community. Being able to create so many solid connections and long-term relationships was something I did not expect when I started the internship. I'm glad for the opportunity to meet so many wonderful people. Learning about John Lewis and his impact was possibly the most useful lesson I took away from my summer internship at FPI. Prior to this job, I knew very little about John Lewis and his contributions to the civil rights movement. After joining FPI, I was able to firsthand observe how much of an influence he made on many influential persons, and how his ideas and ideals are something I find myself living by and will continue to do so. Getting to learn about him has been the most delightful component of spending this summer at FPI. My whole experience with FPI has been really beneficial; it has helped me grow as a young adult while also opening my eyes to my professional objectives by providing me with access to various tools that have allowed me to build new connections.” – Asia Robinson

"Being an intern for FPI has been a tremendous honor. It was a phenomenal experience getting to know the staff and board members and meeting all the wonderful cohorts that are a part of the John Lewis Scholars, Fellows, and Rising Leaders Program. The never-ending struggle for equity is something that is necessary for the healing of wounds that were created in the past and doing so with nonviolence is the key that will allow us to get further in our mission. Even though the late Congressman John Lewis is not with us anymore, I know his mission will forever go on as long as FPI continues the astonishing work in creating communities, making spaces for respectful dialogue, and spreading the core values of nonviolence." – Mina Youssef 

Reflections of the 2020 Congressional Civil Rights Pilgrimage from 12-year-old Tybre Faw

Guest post by Tybre Faw

When I first learned about the Faith and Politics Institute (FPI), I didn’t know how important it was in keeping the fight for civil rights alive. The FPI Pilgrimage in 2018 gave me the chance to do something I had hoped for but never thought would happen. Meet John Lewis. I felt blessed. He was my hero. I never thought I would have the chance to see him, but I knew that I needed to shake his hand and thank him for how he fought for me and gave me courage. I became an activist and foot soldier for as many causes as I could in my hometown.

This year FPI invited me to come along on the pilgrimage for real. I got to attend all the events that people in Congress get to attend every year. This year was really special because I have learned more, and I get it now. I got to see places and people I had only read about at school and at home.

We had driven seven hours to get to Alabama from Tennessee. I wasn’t expecting to get there in time to attend the play Ruby, The Story of Ruby Bridges but we made it. Ruby Bridges was the first person I met in the hotel lobby. I knew all about her story from my Mimi who was a social studies teacher. Getting to the play was one of the coolest things that has happened to me. It was just like the movies-loading buses, secret service, the US Capitol Police, Members of Congress and to my good luck, Ruby Bridges was sitting right behind me on the bus. Roads were blocked off as we traveled from our hotel to the Alabama Shakespeare Festival.

“The play helped me see how the Civil Rights Movement played out in Ruby’s hometown and how different life was for different people because of the color of their skin. When you see it played out in front of you, it’s more powerful than reading about it in books. I remember when Ruby Bridges said that her experience came to her for a purpose. I think my experience with the FPI is helping me with my purpose.”

The events of the second day were nonstop beginning at breakfast with the Speaker of the House. People grow up saying they wanna be President and meeting and having Speaker Nancy Pelosi, the 3rd most powerful person in the world standing with me and writing me an excuse to school was mind blowing. She believes in the youth and I wanna fight with her to bring about change.

Everything I did and everyone I met took me back to the time it was happening to them. I will never forget one single moment. I knew about the Freedom Riders and the bus trips through the South. But Minnijean Brown-Trickey of the Little Rock Nine was another story of the struggle to desegregate that we need to hear more about. Going to the 16th Street Baptist Church where the four little girls died at the hands of the KKK was so sad. Such hate in the world has got to stop cause it still goes on.

“The feeling that I get at the Edmund Pettus Bridge gets to me in a big way. It’s like I go back to the time of Bloody Sunday. I can feel it. I try not to cry but the thought of those people getting beat while fighting for their rights overpowers me. I got to see John Lewis again. It was just for a few seconds, but it was enough. We exchanged an elbow bump and the power that rushed through me brought me to tears.”

I love and respect him and need to carry on his work. I have a ways to go because I’m young, but I am trying every day to get there.

All the people I met are fighting for peace in our world and I wanna fight with them. Some people were raised with the burden of hate and like I’ve learned – hate is too big of a burden to bear. I met a lot of people who I had seen, heard about and some I had met during past FPI pilgrimages, but this year was different. At age 12, meeting people you want to believe in; it’s big.

I feel blessed that FPI is actually spreading the word and are caring about what other people are thinking so our world can be better. Revisiting the past so we won’t make the same mistakes again – that’s what it’s all about. I want to make the world peaceful – it’s like FPI, MLK and John Lewis have tried to teach us – judge someone by their actions. It’s not the color of your skin but the content of your character. To me, the FPI has hope in me and I don’t wanna let them down.