A Reflection of Pilgrimage's Past (Montgomery)

My pilgrimage to Montgomery

Rachel Bagby

I went on the first pilgrimage of All God‘s Children in 2022 to the Legacy Museum in Montgomery, AL. Upon entering the museum, the first exhibit depicts images of the transatlantic journey that the African people endured. The images of the ocean’s water swirling, ships being tossed about, bones and chains at the bottom of the ocean are powerful. It set a somber tone for me on the walk through the museum. The other striking image for me was visiting the National Memorial for Peace and Justice  which has 816 steel slabs hanging from the ceiling with the names of victims of terror lynchings in the various states. This list is by no means complete because it only names those lynchings that have been documented. There are many others that are unreported. Going through the museums, visiting the sites and reading the accounts at the exhibits is overwhelming. I found it unfathomable the cruelty, inhumane treatment and injustice that has been directed toward the enslaved and their descendants. Upon returning home my heart felt heavy as I attempted to process the experience.  I know another visit is in my future because once is not enough.