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