Each year, the 8th-grade class from Lagunitas School District has the opportunity to dive deeper into the history of the Civil Rights Movement, not through books or films, but by stepping into the places where history was made. This April, students will take a journey through key sites in Atlanta, Selma, Montgomery, and Birmingham to gain a firsthand understanding of one of the most critical chapters in American history.
Learning about the Civil Rights Movement in class has been eye-opening, but experiencing it firsthand can bring an entirely new level of understanding. By visiting these historic places, we’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the courage and determination of leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, and John Lewis. It’s also an opportunity to see how the struggles of the past relate to ongoing issues in our world today, giving us insights that will stay with us for life.
Our journey will take us to key sites in Atlanta, Selma, Montgomery, and Birmingham—places that were pivotal to the Civil Rights Movement. We’ll visit the King Center, where Dr. King and Coretta Scott King are laid to rest, and the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church, where Dr. King preached. In Selma, we’ll walk across the Edmund Pettus Bridge and meet someone who experienced Bloody Sunday firsthand. We’ll stand where Rosa Parks was arrested, explore the Legacy Museum, and reflect at the National Memorial for Peace and Justice. In Birmingham, we’ll tour the 16th Street Baptist Church and hear stories from those who witnessed the movement’s most defining moments.
We need your support to make this trip a reality! The cost per student is $1,528, covering airfare, accommodations, meals, and museum entrances. While each family contributes to the cost, not all can cover the full amount. Your donation will help close this gap so every student can attend, regardless of financial circumstances. Donations will also help fund our chaperones. Every bit of support brings us closer to making this life-changing journey a possibility!