Overall Experience The experience was amazing and deeply formative. To be immersed in these sacred places—where my ancestors fought for freedom and humanity—was surreal. The trip was exceptionally well planned and thoughtfully organized across communication, logistics, and content. Each day was power-packed, filled with so much depth that six days felt like six weeks. I’m still processing and working to reflect on everything we experienced. I sincerely appreciated all the speakers—from the Congo Square Community Center, to the Mayor and the college student, to Ms. Barbera, Ms. Afreya, the professor who spoke about imagination, the nonviolence leader, the brothers who were falsely accused and imprisoned, and Pastor Crudup. Every voice was powerful. Standouts for me included the Mayor, Ms. Barbera, Ms. Afreya, and the professor. Also, how can I forget the Mississippi Mass choir whom hugged us with their song and arms. I felt the love of God truly at New Horizon Church. Just a beautiful experience that can't be measured. Every place we visited was impactful and unforgettable. The experience of sharing meals, prayer, song, conversation, and affirmation—as acts of resistance to injustice—deeply moved me. You offered a multi-layered response to injustice through art, music, wisdom, dance, knowledge, and community. Playing African drums and learning the history behind the rhythms was powerful. I couldn't stop smiling. I felt at home. The museums and the art exhibits! Wow! It was an abundance of transformative experiences. I truly feel like I found my song again—reconnecting with the music and spiritual traditions I was raised on. Also, let me say, I loved the group! The harmony and chemistry of the group, I am so grateful. So your selection and the format of a reflection partner were just amazing! Personal Impact Living in New York, I’ve often felt a disconnect from the South. Although my family is from the South, my experiences there have mostly been limited to reunions and funerals. This trip helped me reconnect with my Southern roots in ways I didn’t even realize I needed. I’m deeply grateful for that. This experience also sparked a deeper curiosity in me. You did a phenomenal job showing how cities, states, and the nation attempt to bury history—yet the evidence and the people who carry it remain alive and active. In broader media, we often hear that the era of Civil Rights leaders has passed, but this trip made it clear: these leaders are still here. The question is, how are we protecting them and amplifying their stories? For example, after returning home, I felt compelled to investigate a cemetery in my neighborhood that I’ve walked through countless times. I discovered that it contains many unmarked African American graves, as well as the resting place of George Washington Johnson, the first Black recording artist in history. As an activist and advocate, this experience pushed me to dig deeper into local history—and I truly appreciate that. I’m forever grateful. This trip has left a lasting imprint on me. I’ve been sharing what I learned with others, and I continue to reflect on all that I experienced. Opportunities for Growth I appreciated the consistent encouragement to care for ourselves throughout the journey—your reminders to “do what you need” were meaningful and necessary. While space was made for lament and reflection, I believe there is an opportunity to go deeper, especially given the emotional weight of the history we engaged in—particularly for African American participants who are direct descendants of this legacy. 1. Creating Space for Righteous Anger While anger was verbally acknowledged as valid, it did not always feel fully expressed or embodied within the space. I believe there is room for more intentional framing around righteous anger—especially from a theological perspective. Scripture offers many examples of anger as a response to injustice, and leaning into that framework could help participants process more fully and authentically. 2. Clearer Pathways to Action I would have appreciated more concrete action steps connected to the injustices we witnessed—particularly during experiences like the Toxic Tour. At times, I left feeling unsure of what I could do to help beyond “telling the story.” Since the pilgrimage is positioned as more than a tour, it would be impactful to offer 2–3 tangible ways participants can take action. For example: Specific organizations to support Advocacy or policy initiatives to engage in Direct ways to support affected families or communities I’m not suggesting participation should be required, but providing clear options would help channel the emotional impact into meaningful action. 3. Applying Nonviolence to Present-Day Issues I valued the nonviolence workshop, and I would love to see more explicit connections to current-day applications. How can these principles be applied to the challenges we are facing today? 4. Bridging Emotion to Action Hearing Ms. Barbera speak about ongoing struggles and the difficulty of mobilizing people was powerful—but it also left me asking, “What can I do?” I believe integrating a clearer activist or action-oriented component into the program would help bridge that gap. Righteous anger, when embraced, can be a powerful catalyst for action. 5. Engaging the Topic of Reparations Finally, given the depth of engagement with the African American experience—especially interactions with descendants connected to places like Whitney Plantation—I believe discussions of reparations should be included in some form. Addressing this topic would strengthen the overall exploration of justice and response. I'd be glad to help or explain further if any part of this is unclear. Closing Overall, this was an incredibly meaningful and transformative experience. You did an excellent job, and I’m deeply grateful. This journey has left a lasting mark on me, and I will carry it forward. Well done. Thank you!

I came on this pilgrimage with great anticipation about what it would be like. The pilgrimage was far beyond what I could have imagined. I experienced healing, a greater understanding of the American context, friendship, expansion of my Afro-Caribbean family's story regarding slavery in the Americas, an answer to prayers emerging from my anger and frustrations, and a deeper, profound call to a life of justice, hope, and radical imagination. Given the nature of the pilgrimage - engaging the trauma and atrocities accompanying slavery in America with its attending interlocking systems of oppression, to experience what I stated above seems unlikely. Much of this was due to the curation of the experience- the framing throughout our time, place we went, people we spoke to, food we ate, etc., by DeSean, Frances, and the rest of the Telos/Calvin team. There was also a sensitivity to what was happening and DeSean's masterful ability to read the room that undergirded this pilgrimage. As a result, this group of strangers, who were open to the learning the pilgrimage could provide, found ourselves laughing, ribbing, caring for, and bonding as a community. I haven't fully processed my experience - it will continue for the foreseeable future. What I have done, however, is begin sharing some parts of this experience with my family. I want to begin planning smaller pilgrimages for my immediate family, beginning in our local context. The ultimate goal is to continue these pilgrimages to places of trauma and resilience within the Black Atlantic experience (US, Caribbean, UK, Africa), with the aim of cultivating persons whose lives are shaped by justice and advocacy. Thanks, Telos/Calvin, for this life-changing experience.

I had a wonderful time on the ReStory US trip to the US South. Everything was well thought out, from the meals, lodging, and the partners in the various cities. Part of what made this trip special was the cohort of colleagues and the leaders at Telos and Calvin. It was very special. I will remember this trip forever. Grateful for the opportunity to attend, especially after the SCOTUS case that attacked the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

What a great opportunity to learn about race relations in the South, dating back to colonial times and moving forward to today. Beautifully organized visits to historical sites and to contemporary organizations/individuals who are making a difference in their communities. DeShawn & Frances were wonderful! DeShawn shared so much information which prodded us to think more deeply about the impacts of slavery & racism that are still being felt today. Frances is incredibly well-organized and kept us very well taken care of throughout the trip - wonderful hotels, delicious meals, and lots of snacks for long bus rides! Highly recommend ReStory US - An American Pilgrimage. The experiences we had continue to run through my mind and will remain as I move forward. Thank you!

The trip brought us face-to-face with the people and places spotlighting the historical and current struggle for equality in America. With sights ranging from the conditions of enslaved persons living on the Whitney Plantation to the residents of Cancer Alley whose health and property values are being destroyed by the emissions of petrochemical and plastics companies to first-person accounts of the Freedom Riders and people who worked to serve their community whether returning citizens or youth in need of a community space to play basketball, the ReStory US team provided first-rate learning opportunities. Trip guide DeSean provided both historical and faith-based context, helping us see connections and make sense of what we were experiencing. The traditional museums, like Montgomery's Legacy Museum and the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum were complemented with nonviolence training and the experience of walking over the Edmund Pettus Bridge. Academic experts shared historical perspectives of the civil rights leaders working together at the COFO center as well as the bias introduced in the jury selection process. The same careful planning that had gone into the content of the tour went into the logistics. Frances managed keeping us on schedule and arranging for our meals (including my vegetarian diet) and lodging in comfort. She may not be able to guarantee that Samuel L Jackson will be seated next to your group for dinner as he was for ours, but she'll pick places that are so stellar it's not out of the question. Bus driver Miss Chelsea was another valued member of the team, taking care of our group and providing a comfortable coach with outlets and wifi. We packed a lot into a week. It's a set of experiences that will echo for a long time to come. I'm grateful for the opportunity, my fellow travelers, and especially the Telos Group for putting it all together.