We can’t wait to see you in Montgomery!
REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED!
Did you miss the registration window? Contact Stephanie Cooper by September 7 to see if room is available!
We’re looking forward to being in Montgomery, Alabama, again this Fall (September 19-21) to continue excavating the roots of injustice and white supremacy in our nation, our communities, and our congregations. The Equal Justice Initiative (EJI) is committed to ending mass incarceration and excessive punishment in the United States, to challenging racial and economic injustice, and to protecting basic human rights for the most vulnerable people in American society. Learn more about EJI here.
EJI runs three legacy sites: The Legacy Museum, the National Memorial for Peace and Justice, and the new Freedom Garden Sculpture Park. The Legacy Sites invite visitors to reckon with the history of racial injustice in places where that history was lived. The Legacy Sites offer visitors a powerful opportunity to engage with history and begin an era of truth telling.
The Legacy Museum travels through 400 years of American history, recounting first-person historical accounts of enslavement, racial terrorism, codified segregation, and mass incarceration. The National Memorial for Peace and Justice is a six-acre memorial dedicated to the victims of racial terror and lynchings. And the Freedom Garden Sculpture Park explores the lived experience of enslaved people in America.
The Alliance of Baptists first visited the sites in November of 2022. The experience was so moving and important that we, as a predominantly and historically white organization, have found it important to make a regular pilgrimage to this historic location. Join us this September for our second visit to this important location.
Facilitators
Our reflection sessions will be led by the Radical Optimist Collective. The collective was formed by a circle of practitioners from a wide diversity of backgrounds and areas of expertise three years ago to support and guide individuals and groups doing intentional racial awareness and racial healing work as prompted by experiences in Montgomery, AL at the Equal Justice Initiative’s (EJI) Legacy Museum and National Memorial for Peace and Justice. Their process is grounded by racial healing and trauma-informed frameworks that recognize the need for holding individuals in their personal journeys, while supporting a group’s shared experience. They do this work honoring and acknowledging that each individual comes with their own lived experience, ancestral history, trauma and current context that require an individualized approach within the bounds of an organizational session. Click here to learn more about the individuals of the Radical Optimist Collective.
Rev. Alexis Tardy, D.Min., lecturer
Alexis will give our opening lecture on Thursday, September 19. She joined the Alliance staff in the summer of 2023, working with our THRIVE cohort. She also serves as Coordinator for Ministry with Youth and Young Adults with Disciples Home Missions and previously was an Organizing Associate with the Children’s Defense Fund. Before returning to Indianapolis in 2020, Alexis led as the Program Director at Faith and For the Sake of All, where she organized trainings and workshops to end racial disparities in Saint Louis. While in St. Louis, Alexis was deeply impacted by the protest in Ferguson following the death of Michael Brown, Jr. As a consultant for Urban Strategies, she mentored youth and worked with families and community leaders in Ferguson, Missouri. Alexis earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Affairs at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, a Master of Divinity degree from Eden Theological Seminary in Saint Louis, Missouri, and a Doctor of Ministry in Womanist Preaching at Memphis Theological Seminary. Alexis is deeply committed to justice and Black and Latinx families while working toward equitable communities. She resides in Indianapolis, Indiana with her dog KoKo.
Questions??? Email us anytime at info@allianceofbaptists.org.
Hotels
Given that it will be football season in Alabama and three universities and their opponents (Alabama State, Auburn, and Troy) all stay in Montgomery Hotels during the season, we were unable to secure a hotel block at a single hotel. There are several hotels within walking distance or a short drive of the Equal Justice Initiative. Those include:
Doubletree by Hilton, Embassy Suites, Hampton Inn & Suites, Renaissance Montgomery Hotel, Springhill Suites, Staybridge Suites, and the Trilogy Hotel.
If you’re coming with a large(r) group from your congregation (and we hope you are!), also consider short-term rentals like Airbnbs or VRBOs in the Montgomery area as they may be more cost-effective and allow for more space for reflection with your group.
Tentative Schedule
Schedule is subject to change. Please keep checking back for updates.
Thursday, September 19
1p Gathering/Worship
2p Framing Lecture
4p Group Conversation and Reflection
5p Happy Hour
7p Dinner
Friday, September 20
9a Centering Practice
10a Visit the Legacy Museum and the National Memorial for Peace and Justice (lunch on your own)
4p Optional Reflection Gathering
6p Dinner
Saturday, September 21
9a Reflection, Small Group Conversations, Large Group Closing
11a Visit Sculpture Garden
Noon depart
Equal Justice Initiative & the Legacy Sites
The Equal Justice Initiative (EJI) is committed to ending mass incarceration and excessive punishment in the United States, to challenging racial and economic injustice, and to protecting basic human rights for the most vulnerable people in American society. Learn more about EJI here.
EJI runs three legacy sites: The Legacy Museum, the National Memorial for Peace and Justice, and the new Freedom Garden Sculpture Park. Learn more about the Legacy Sites here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can attend the gathering?
Anyone who is interested in the material being presented or interested in the work of the Alliance is invited to join us in Montgomery! You do not have to be member of the Alliance or an Alliance congregation to participate.
Who is leading the programming?
Many pieces of the programming are still coming together. As soon as these details are available, they will be published here on the website.
Can we bring a group from our church?
Yes! In fact, we encourage it! There is not a way to register a group as a whole and you will need to register each person individually. Please note that space is limited, so you’ll want to register early to ensure everyone from your group has a spot.
Where will the Alliance programming be held?
We’ll be gathering at the Legacy Annex at 115 Coosa St. and the Legacy sites.
What sort of transportation do I need?
The Legacy sites, Legacy Annex (the Alliance meeting room), and many hotels and restaurants are within walking distance of each other. There is a shuttle that runs every 15 minutes between the Legacy sites. The Montgomery airport is a 10-15 minute ride to the Legacy site area. If you are staying downtown, you may not need a vehicle.
Is there a room block at a local hotel?
Given that it will be football season in Alabama and three universities and their opponents (Alabama State, Auburn, and Troy) all stay in Montgomery Hotels during the season, we were unable to secure a hotel block at a single hotel. There are several hotels within walking distance or a short drive of the Equal Justice Initiative. Those include Doubletree by Hilton, Embassy Suites, Hampton Inn & Suites, Renaissance Montgomery Hotel, Springhill Suites, Staybridge Suites, and the Trilogy Hotel. If you’re coming with a large(r) group from your congregation (and we hope you are!), also consider short-term rentals like Airbnbs or VRBOs in the Montgomery area as they may be more cost-effective and allow for more space for reflection with your group.
How big will this gathering be?
This year we are limiting registration to 100 spots to ensure everyone can participate in and hear the conversation. If you are interested in attending, we encourage you to register early.
When is the registration deadline?
All registrations need to be made by September 1, 2024.
What is included in my registration?
By registering for this event through the Alliance of Baptists, you’ll receive group tickets to all of the Legacy Sites and will be able to attend all of the Alliance programming. Light snacks and breakfast will be provided.
Will this event be streamed or available online?
Given the nature of this event and the importance of visiting the Legacy Sites for conversation, this event will only be held in-person.
Will childcare be provided?
While we welcome any children to join their parents for the programming, there will not be childcare available for this event. Any children will need to register as an adult in order to receive tickets to the Legacy Sites.
Can I cancel my registration?
Yes. There is a $25 processing fee to cancel your registration. Please contact info@allianceofbaptists.org
Can I register for the gathering when I arrive?
Unfortunately, no, we cannot accommodate same-day registrations. You will need to register before September 1 to attend the event.
What is included in the cost of registration?
The registration fee will cover the cost of entry to all of the events of the program including keynote speakers, workshops and plenary sessions.
I’m having trouble filling out the registration form. Who should I contact?
Please email info@allianceofbaptists.org for assistance with the registration process.
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