Polly Bond entry 2025
Category: Visual Arts / booklet
Pilgrimage
An Ecumenical Civil Rights Pilgrimage to Selma and Montgomery, Alabama
This booklet is a glimpse into the transformative journey of 30 pilgrims from Delaware and nearby regions as they set out on a civil rights pilgrimage through Selma and Montgomery, Alabama. Beginning on September 21, 2024, this meaningful experience was organized by the Episcopal Church in Delaware in partnership with the New Castle Presbytery.
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Summary: Pilgrimage, a 28-page booklet featuring the article, Go Back and Get It: Putting all the Pieces Together weaves narrative storytelling, historical context, and vivid photography into a compelling reflection on the Civil Rights Pilgrimage to Montgomery and Selma. Rooted in the concept of Sankofa, which means to go back and get it, the booklet invites readers to revisit history, drawing connections between the past and the present.
The article opens with an introduction to Sankofa and sets the stage for the pilgrimage, highlighting the importance of understanding history to illuminate the present. The main narrative is divided into daily reflections, recounting visits to pivotal civil rights landmarks such as the Edmund Pettus Bridge, the Legacy Museum, and the National Memorial for Peace and Justice. These entries detail the group’s emotional and spiritual journey, enriched by morning prayers, meditations, and intimate group discussions.
Interspersed throughout the booklet are vibrant, puzzle-like image layouts that visually underscore the theme of piecing together history. Each photograph captures the solemnity, courage, and resilience witnessed during the pilgrimage, complementing the reflective prose. The booklet concludes with a powerful call to action, urging readers to carry forward the lessons of the pilgrimage and continue the work of justice and reconciliation. The booklet concludes with portraits of each pilgrim and a heartfelt poem written by one of them, adding a personal and reflective touch to the journey’s narrative.
Goals:
The primary goal of the Pilgrimage booklet, featuring the article Go Back and Get It: Putting all the Pieces Together was to document and reflect on the transformative ecumenical civil rights pilgrimage to Montgomery and Selma, Alabama. The project sought to:
- Preserve the experiences of the 30 pilgrims who undertook this profound journey and create a tangible record of their reflections.
- Educate readers about the significance of historical events tied to the Civil Rights Movement and their ongoing relevance to justice and reconciliation.
- Inspire individuals and communities to engage in meaningful dialogue about racial equity and take action to address systemic injustices.
- Utilize the West African concept of Sankofa — “to go back and get it” — as a thematic framework, encouraging readers to piece together history like a puzzle and move forward with deeper understanding and purpose.
Audience:
The booklet was designed for a diverse audience, including:
- Members of the Episcopal Church in Delaware, the New Castle Presbytery, and other church communities seeking to deepen their commitment to racial justice and reconciliation.
- Civic organizations and educational groups interested in exploring the intersections of history, faith, and activism.
- Individuals moved by the concept of pilgrimage, both as a physical and spiritual journey, who are seeking to understand the importance of collective memory in shaping the present and future.
- Future pilgrims and leaders who could use this resource as a guide for similar experiences.
Metrics:
- Reach: The booklet was distributed to all 30 pilgrims, shared at the Annual Convention of the Episcopal Church in Delaware, and made available to church communities, members of congress, and civic organizations across the region.
- Impact: While quantifying the full reach of the booklet is challenging, feedback has highlighted its use as a resource in adult education forums and community discussions on racial justice.
- Engagement: The booklet’s visual storytelling and reflective narrative have resonated deeply with its audience.
- Longevity: The booklet continues to serve as a resource, inspiring new discussions and encouraging other groups to embark on similar pilgrimages. Its detailed account and thematic depth ensure its enduring value as an educational tool.
