Excavating Our Roots 2024

We can’t wait to see you in Montgomery!

Join us as we return to 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 cost is just $75 and registration opens June 21!

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.

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 with in 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.

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.