From initial entry to resistance to rising, #The1619Pilgrimage will trace the story of Africans’ arrival on colonial soil, our strategies of resistance against unrelenting dehumanizing oppression, and our faith-rooted rise into the force that forged America’s soul. During this sojourn, participants will explore and experience stories of the commodification and exploitation of African lives through enslaved labor, as well as African resistance and rising from colonial slavery through reconstruction. During our journey, we will experience the music, art, dance, genealogy, and cuisine of the Gullah community.

The Est. 1619 Pilgrimage, hosted by Trinity United Church of Christ, Chicago, Illinois and Freedom Road, will take us on a journey to Charleston, South Carolina and surrounding areas June 20-24, 2022. Individuals and groups are welcome to join this pilgrimage and registration is open to the public.

More about Freedom Road Pilgrimages

Seven Pillars of a Freedom Road Pilgrimage

Est. 1619 Pilgrimage Brochure

Est. 1619 Pilgrimage Information Session Video

FAQs- Est. 1619 Pilgrimage

For people of African descent, the intention and purpose of this pilgrimage is to immerse ourselves our story, to bridge the gap between the narratives we’ve been told and what happened, to understand our soul power and genius anew and learn from our ancestors what we need for the journey ahead.

For those not of African descent, the intention and purpose of this pilgrimage to immerse yourself in the story of the other, to bridge the gap between what you were taught and told and what happened, to come to a deeper understanding of and appreciation for African American contributions to American democracy.

What are the dates?

Monday, June 20 – Friday, June 24, 2022

What is the cost and what is included?

$2,164

(*price may vary slightly based on time of registration and current flight costs)

• Flights to and from Charleston, SC (from Chicago, IL only) *please speak with the travel agency regarding flights from other locations, cost may vary
• Ground travel to and from the airport and duration of the journey (excluding free time)
• Hotels (Monday check in, Friday check out)
• Welcome Dinner (Monday) and Tuesday Dinner
• All Lunches (Tuesday- Thursday)
• All Breakfasts (Tuesday-Friday)
• Museums & Site Visits
• Storytelling through the lenses of museums, experts, descendants, and witnesses of oppression
• Listening Circles – an opportunity to process the journey and share your own stories
• Spiritual Formation
• Historical Sites in Charleston, SC
• Time with the Gullah people and culture

What about COVID-19?

Freedom Road and Trinity UCC require that all participants be vaccinated + boosted, and provide a vaccination certificate, unless medically ineligible. If you are medically ineligible, we will ask you to provide a negative COVID test 48 hours in advance of travel and bring your own at-home COVID test to test halfway through the trip. If you are vaccinated + boosted, please bring your COVID-19 vaccination certificate.

At the time of travel, the Est. 1619 Pilgrimage will follow all suggestions and regulations from the CDC and pilgrimage sites as it relates to COVID-19. At all times, please feel free to take actions that feel safe and comfortable for you. This may mean wearing a mask, when it’s not required, if that means you feel more comfortable. 

Please note that the COVID landscape is constantly shifting and changing, and as a result, the pilgrimage practices will shift and change in order to prioritize health and safety. We thank you for your flexibility and understanding!

How do I register?

REGISTRATION IS OPEN UNTIL MARCH 1, 2022

REGISTRATION FORM

All registrations or waitlist space should be confirmed with deposit/payment by March 1, 2022. Please contact Wendy at 800-556-9286 ext. 251 or wbartnick@burkhaltertravel.com to confirm.

Registration and payments are managed in partnership with Burkhalter Travel. If needed, please contact Wendy Bartnick for more information or questions, 800-556-9286 ext. 251 or wbartnick@burkhaltertravel.com.

Payment Structure:

A $950 deposit is due upon completion of the registration form, via check or credit card.

All remaining payment is due by March 10, 2022.

Cancellation Policy:
Deposits are refundable (minus a $100 service fee) until January 1, 2022. After January 1, 2022, payments are non-refundable, but may be transferred to a new guest should you not be able to travel. Once airline tickets are purchased, there may be additional fees for a name change.

In the event that the pilgrimage is postponed due to COVID-19, participants will have the option for a refund or to transfer their payment to the rescheduled travel dates.