Show-Me State Times

Staff and faculty from Saint Louis University (SLU) recently participated in a Civil Rights immersion trip, exploring key historical sites across several states. The journey aimed to deepen participants' understanding of the Civil Rights Movement and its ongoing relevance.

Cousins, who led the trip, expressed enthusiasm for the initiative: “This was something I’ve wanted to do for a while,” he said. Inspired by similar initiatives at Marquette University, Cousins organized the SLU group’s itinerary, which included stops in Memphis, Birmingham, Selma, Montgomery, Dalton, and Nashville.

Jessica Trout from SLU's Center for Social Action described her experiences: “The Civil Rights trip was powerful and inspired me to want to act... Both were vital to my personal, professional, and spiritual growth.” Trout emphasized the importance of such trips for staff development.

Participants visited significant landmarks like the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel and Clayborn Temple. Despite challenges like a recent fire at Clayborn Temple, Cousins noted that "this historic Black church was in ruins."

Esmeralda Aharon from SLU’s Office of Ignatian Mission reflected on the emotional impact: “This trip was a journey through history... walking through museums... turned that abstract history into a lived memory.”

In Birmingham, attendees explored sites dedicated to local civil rights history. David Brinker of SLU’s Museum of Contemporary Religious Art found inspiration in personal narratives shared during museum visits. He recalled past encounters with civil rights attorney Fred D. Gray: “I smiled each time I encountered Mr. Gray along the way at a museum or historic marker.”

In Selma, participants crossed the Edmund Pettus Bridge together. Aharon recounted: “I walked across... where courageous souls once risked everything for the right to vote.” She stressed that justice is an ongoing practice.

Each evening concluded with reflections likened to an Ignatian Examen by Cousins. These discussions focused on applying lessons learned during the trip back at SLU.

Cousins highlighted St. Louis’ own civil rights legacy and plans future local learning opportunities for SLU's community. The experience has fostered continued collaboration among participants since their return.

Aharon concluded with thoughts on resilience and advocacy: “This experience deepened my understanding... It affirmed my responsibility as a Latina... to carry forward the work of equity and inclusion.”

The Office of Mission and Identity alongside DICE supported this initiative financially. Cousins hopes another pilgrimage can be arranged next spring.