First UMC of Brighton & Whitmore Lake invites people from across the Michigan Conference to join them in the American South this January to stand on the ground where the Civil Rights Movement began.
Like many predominantly white churches, First United Methodist Church of Brighton & Whitmore Lake has been learning and growing on its anti-racist journey.
When the congregation formed its Church & Society Committee in 2021, its initial projects focused on economic and racial justice. Since then, the committee has expanded to include projects focused on accessibility, environmental justice, and LGBTQ+ inclusion and advocacy.
Kara Shuell and Suzanne Everett are co-directors of the congregation’s Anti-Bias/Anti-Racism (ABAR) Project. Everett shares, “During the pandemic and in the wake of George Floyd’s murder, I found myself in several small groups — meeting virtually or in backyards — where we asked ourselves, ‘What can we do to right the wrongs of racial discrimination?’”
The ABAR Project has facilitated and shared in many studies and events over the intervening years, including an action-oriented book titled “Wait — Is This Racist? A Guide to Becoming an Anti-Racist Church” and the Just Faith program, “Faith & Racial Healing.”
One goal that grew out of the ecumenical “Faith & Racial Healing” program was to travel to the American South, where many pivotal moments of the Civil Rights Movement took place. The pilgrimage will take place January 30 through February 5, 2027, and will be facilitated by Educational Opportunities. First UMC of Brighton & Whitmore Lake invites people throughout the Michigan Conference to participate. Learn more about the pilgrimage. Space is limited, so please register by September 30, 2026.
Shuell said she is looking forward to the Civil Rights Pilgrimage, which visits Atlanta, Birmingham, Montgomery, Selma, and Tuskegee. “I believe that there is a difference between studying history and bearing witness to history,” Shuell shared. “I believe that justice, faith, and love are not separate things. I believe bearing witness to that is a responsibility. I am embarking on this trip because I want to stand on the ground in places that hold memories of the civil rights struggle in their soil and feel the importance of continuing justice work today and into the future.”
A four-part virtual series entitled “Just Conversations” has been bringing people together to discuss landmark events in the Civil Rights Movement. “These conversations will help prepare us for the places we will visit next year,” Everett said. “For those who cannot attend the pilgrimage, these conversations provide a meaningful way to participate and grow with others.” The final conversation on the Tuskegee Airmen will be Tuesday, September 22 at 7 pm ET on Zoom. Find more information about the topics for each session and the Zoom link.
Rev. Lindsey Hall, who co-pastors First UMC of Brighton & Whitmore Lake, helped plan the trip. She said, “I hope you will consider joining us on the Civil Rights Pilgrimage, as we grow in our anti-racist journey together.”
Find details for the pilgrimage and the virtual conversation series.
Civil Rights Pilgrimage
-
- Costs: $2,159 per person for double occupancy, 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
- Deposit: $100 deposit required to reserve your spot
Download the brochure to learn more.
Last Updated on September 3, 2026