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Juneteenth in Alabama: Civil Rights Trail

Introduction
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June 17-21, 2026 / Raleigh–Durham to Birmingham

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Journey Through History

Experience the heart of Alabama’s civil rights legacy and the vibrant celebration of Juneteenth.

This experience marks Part 1 of a 14-state journey along the Civil Rights Trail journey, opening with a reverent stop at the site where a painful chapter in American history began. From there participants will travel through key locations that illuminate courage, perseverance, and the enduring pursuit of dignity, equity, and justice.

Journey Through History

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At a glance

17-Jun-2026

Day 0 - Travel Day & Arrival in Birmingham
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Journey from Raleigh to Birmingham by Bus

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Chartered Bus: Raleigh–Durham to Birmingham

DepartureRaleigh–Durham (RDU)Wednesday, Jun 17, 2026
DestinationBirmingham, ALThursday, Jun 18, 2026

Depart RDU at 7:00 PM

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Planned Rest Stops

Rest stops include Fayetteville, NC (15–20 min), Greensboro, NC (30-45 min), Charlotte, NC (30-45 min), Duncan, SC (30–45 min), West Atlanta, GA (20–30 min), Lithia Springs, GA (20-30 min) and Birmingham, AL

Note: Routing subject to change

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Embassy Suites Birmingham, AL

Check inThursday, Jun 18, 2026

Arrive in Birmingham between 9:00–10:00 AM and check in to the Marriott hotel.

18-Jun-2026

Day 1 - Birmingham Deep Dive Educational and Cultural
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Immersive Civil Rights Tour in Birmingham

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Breakfast

Breakfast at 8:00 AM.
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Transfer to Downtown Birmingham Civil Rights District

DepartureHotelTBD
DestinationDowntown Birmingham Civil Rights District

Depart for Downtown Birmingham Civil Rights District at TBD.

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Lunch at Pizitz Food Hall or Black-owned restaurant

Lunch at Pizitz Food Hall or a Black-owned restaurant (tentative)

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16th Street Baptist Church Guided Tour

Guided tour of 16th Street Baptist Church at TBD.

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Birmingham Civil Rights Institute Visit

Walk to Birmingham Civil Rights Institute at TBD. Spend 90 minutes inside. Self-guided and deeply immersive.

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Return to Hotel

DepartureBirmingham Civil Rights Institute18:00
DestinationHotel
Return to hotel at 6:00 PM.
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Dinner and Rest / Optional Group Discussion

Dinner and rest at the hotel. Optional group discussion in the evening.
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Historical Foundation for Juneteenth

This day sets the historical foundation before experiencing Juneteenth events.

19-Jun-2026

Day 2 - Juneteenth Celebration and Local Culture
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Celebrate Juneteenth with Local Culture and Festivities

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Breakfast

Breakfast at 8:00 AM.
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Light Morning Activity at Railroad Park

Light morning activity at 10:30 AM: Railroad Park stroll, photo ops, vendors, and local displays.
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Juneteenth Birmingham Activities

Participate in Juneteenth Birmingham activities from 12:00–4:00 PM: vendors, music performances, cultural booths, and food trucks. Most events are free; optional VIP events may cost $10–$20.
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Group Dinner

Group dinner at 6:00 PM.
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Optional Juneteenth Concert or Evening Festival Events

Optional: Juneteenth concert or evening festival events.

20-Jun-2026

Day 3 - Selma and Montgomery Day Trip
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Selma and Montgomery Civil Rights Legacy

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Depart Birmingham for Selma

DepartureBirmingham07:00
DestinationSelma
Depart Birmingham at 7:00 AM for Selma.
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Walk Edmund Pettus Bridge

Walk Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma.
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Visit Brown Chapel AME (exterior)

Visit Brown Chapel AME (exterior) in Selma.
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Voting Rights Museum (if open)

Visit the Voting Rights Museum in Selma if open.
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Lunch in Selma

Lunch in Selma at 12:00 PM.
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Drive to Montgomery

DepartureSelma13:30
DestinationMontgomery
Drive from Selma to Montgomery at 1:30 PM.
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Visit Equal Justice Initiative: Legacy Museum and National Memorial for Peace & Justice

Visit Equal Justice Initiative: Legacy Museum and National Memorial for Peace & Justice in Montgomery. Approx. 2 hours combined.

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Depart for Birmingham

DepartureMontgomery17:30
DestinationBirmingham
Depart Montgomery for Birmingham at 5:30 PM.
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Arrive hotel

DepartureBirmingham
DestinationHotel
Arrive at hotel in Birmingham between 8:00–8:30 PM.

21-Jun-2026

Rock City Church and Return to Raleigh
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Worship Service and Journey Home

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Depart hotel for Rock City Church

DepartureHotel08:15
DestinationRock City Church
Depart hotel at 8:15 AM for Rock City Church.
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Worship service at Rock City Church

Worship service at Rock City Church or local at 9:00 AM.

Church visits are subject to availability and scheduling. If worship with Rock City Church is not confirmed, a comparable worship opportunity or facilitated group devotion will be provided.

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Load bus at church & prepare to return home

DepartureRock City Church11:30
DestinationRaleigh/Durham
Load bus at Rock City Church at 11:30 AM and prepare to return home.
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Breakfast (if not attending church)

Breakfast for those not attending church.
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Easy morning and last-minute shopping or photos

Participation in the worship experience is completely optional. Guests who choose not to attend are welcome to enjoy personal leisure time, rest, or quiet reflection during this period.

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Depart Birmingham for Raleigh/Durham

DepartureBirmingham
DestinationRaleigh/Durham

Depart Birmingham at 11:30–12:00 PM for Raleigh/Durham.

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Arrive back in Raleigh/Durham

DepartureRaleigh/Durham
DestinationRaleigh/Durham
Arrive back in Raleigh/Durham between 8:00–10:00 PM.
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Physical Requirements & Mobility Disclosure

By registering for this trip, participants acknowledge that this itinerary includes overnight travel, frequent boarding and exiting of a charter bus, standing, walking at rest stops, and navigating stairs.

Participants must be physically capable of participating without ongoing assistance. Travelers with mobility limitations or medical conditions are encouraged to consult with their physician prior to booking and to notify the organizer in advance to discuss reasonable accommodations where possible.

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Map

1. Raleigh–Durham International Airport (RDU)

2400 John Brantley Blvd, Morrisville, NC 27560

2. Fayetteville, NC (Pickup)

Fayetteville, NC

3. Greensboro, NC (Rest Stop)

Florence, SC

4. Charlotte, NC (Meal)

Columbia, SC

5. Duncan, SC (DOT)

Montgomery, AL

6. Lithia Springs, GA (Final Rest Stop)

3590 Grandview Pkwy, Birmingham, AL 35243

7. Embassy Suites by Hilton Birmingham

2300 Woodcrest Pl, Birmingham, AL 35209, USA

8. Downtown Birmingham Civil Rights District

16th St N & 6th Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203

9. Kelly Ingram Park

500 17th St N, Birmingham, AL 35203

10. 16th Street Baptist Church

1530 6th Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203

11. Birmingham Civil Rights Institute

520 16th St N, Birmingham, AL 35203

12. Railroad Park

1600 1st Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233

13. Edmund Pettus Bridge

US-80, Selma, AL 36701

14. Brown Chapel AME Church

410 Martin Luther King St, Selma, AL 36703

15. National Voting Rights Museum

6 US-80, Selma, AL 36701

16. Equal Justice Initiative: Legacy Museum

400 N Court St, Montgomery, AL 36104

17. National Memorial for Peace & Justice

417 Caroline St, Montgomery, AL 36104

18. Rock City Church

1120 Apricot Ave, Birmingham, AL 35214