Civil Rights Movement

This program is full and is no longer accepting applications. Join Founding Forward for an immersive travel study seminar tracing the powerful arc of the Civil Rights movement in America, from its early stirrings before World War II through the “long civil rights movement” of the twentieth century and into the challenges and activism of today. Together, we will confront both the triumphs and unfinished struggles for equality, guided by the voices, places, and legacies that continue to shape our civic life.

Our journey begins in Atlanta, Georgia, before moving through Montgomery, Selma, and Birmingham, Alabama, and culminating in Memphis, Tennessee. Along the way, participants will step into historic sites and living memorials that illuminate the fight for justice and dignity, crossing bridges, walking through museums, and experiencing communities where history was made and continues to resonate. Workshops with museum curators, guided site explorations, and opportunities to hear testimony from those connected to the movement will provide a layered and deeply human perspective. This seminar blends the power of place with the rigor of study, offering new ways to think about the scope, strategy, and leadership of the freedom struggle. Participants will engage with three interwoven themes, Freedom and Rights, Civil Unrest, and Learning from Our Past, to see how past movements inform present struggles and future possibilities. By the end of the program, you will leave not only with a deeper understanding of the civil rights movement’s roots and evolution but also with insights that invite ongoing reflection on what it means to advance justice and civic responsibility today. 

This seminar will be led by Todd Allen Ph.D., Vice President for Diversity Affairs and Professor of Communication at Messiah University. A dedicated scholar and leader, Dr. Allen is the founder of the Common Ground Project, a longstanding initiative that educates communities about the history and legacy of the Civil Rights Movement. Through his teaching, leadership, and public engagement, he emphasizes the power of academic excellence, cultural understanding, and inclusive community building. 

Please note: Participants should be prepared to walk significant distances, including up to one mile at a time, as part of the program. Some historic sites and other locations included in the itinerary may not be fully ADA compliant due to the age of the buildings and may lack elevators or other accessibility features.