Racial Justice & Healing Virginia Pilgrimage

Updated 7/22/25

We are excited to announce that 10 slots are available for this fall’s Racial Justice & Healing Pilgrimage, September 22-26. This journey is a continuation of our commitment to Racial Justice & Healing and spiritual growth through the Sacred Ground curriculum. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations, explore powerful sites of history, and deepen their understanding of our shared story.

Important Requirement: To participate, you must have completed Sacred Ground or some other relevant racial justice training programming. *

Note: The pilgrimage involves high mobility demands, including significant amounts of time walking and standing throughout the journey.

Register now to secure your place in this transformative journey. (Limited space available)

Costs: $750.00
(housing, transportation, breakfast and dinners are included in the cost of registration)

Deposit: $200
Due: At Registration

2nd Payment: $275
Due: August 22, 2025

FINAL Payment: $275
Deadline Date: September 10, 2025

Full payment may be submitted at any time on or before the final deadline of September 10, 2025.

Proposed Pilgrimage Itinerary Highlights: (A more detailed itinerary will be provided)

Day 1 – Monday, September 22, 2025

• Visit to Mattaponi Indian Tribe

Participants will visit the Mattaponi and Upper Mattaponi Indian Tribes, learning about their history and deep connection to the land.

Day 2 – Tuesday, September 23, 2025

• Walking with the Enslaved (Richmond Slave Trail)

This day features the “Walking with the Enslaved” tour, providing a powerful opportunity to learn about the lives of enslaved people and reflect on these difficult truths. (High Mobility Demands)

Walking with the Enslaved: The Church’s Role in Slavery

This faith-based immersive experience explores Richmond’s racial history and its lasting impacts today. Inspired by the Richmond’s Trail of Enslaved Africans, participants visit key historical sites tied to enslavement, particularly the domestic slave trade, and learn about the Church’s prominent role as the architect and beneficiary of the city and nation’s slave society. The walk is followed by a facilitated group reflection. The Walking with the Enslaved program is a collaboration between St. Paul’s and St. Philip’s Episcopal Churches.

Day 3 – Wednesday, September 24, 2025

• Visit to Mount Vernon
• Visit to Alexandria Lynching Square
• Parish Racial Justice Presentation

Start the day at Mount Vernon, examining the complex history of slavery at George Washington’s estate. After lunch, we’ll visit Alexandria Lynching Square and engage with the racial history of the area.

Day 4 – Thursday, September 25, 2025

• Visit to University of Virginia
• Visit to Charlottesville, VA

At the University of Virginia, reflect on the institution’s history and its role in perpetuating systemic racism. The pilgrimage continues with a reflection on Charlottesville’s history, including the events of the 2017 rally.

Day 5 – Friday, September 26, 2025

• Visit to Montpelier

On the final day, visit Montpelier, the home of James Madison, to engage with its history as a plantation and explore the ongoing work of healing.

We look forward to walking with you on this journey of reflection, justice, and healing. Register now to secure your place!