‘Footprints’ Of Historical past: New Civil Rights Path E book Prominently Options Atlanta Websites

Lee Sentell says the idea for “The Official United States Civil Rights Trail” arose out of a conversation he had with the daughter of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Bernice, led.

“She said people don’t know the story,” said Sentell. “If you don’t know the story, you don’t care. And that’s what led me to this idea: ‘Let’s help tell the story.’ “

And so the book was created, filled with page by page of impressive photos alongside historical context. The Civil Rights Trail spans 14 states, stretching north to Wilmington, Delaware, west to Topeka, Kansas, and south from Louisiana to Florida.

Sentell, who heads the Alabama tourism division, says the book and interactive website designed to serve as a guide can serve as a tour guide for a civil rights pilgrimage.

“We make it easy for young people to understand the examples of what people in Birmingham, Montgomery, Memphis, Jackson, Richmond … what they went through elsewhere,” said Sentell

Georgia locations featured in the book include two locations in Albany, one in Midway and seven in Atlanta, including the King Historic District, the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library, the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, and the Ebenezer Baptist Church.

Bernice King says the places along the Civil Rights Trail are sacred ground that can tell a compelling story to those who visit.

A restored 1960s bus tells the story of the Freedom Rides during the civil rights movement. It was parked in the King Historic District in Atlanta on Wednesday. (Emil Moffatt / WABE)

“These sites literally have the traces of the people who made history and changed the world,” she said. “It is important that families throughout this nation, regardless of race or ethnicity, bring their children to these historic sites to hear the stories of courageous, courageous, visionary and nonviolent people.”

She says the recent anniversary of the Tulsa Race Riot, which destroyed shops and institutions owned by blacks, is a reminder of the country’s commitment to preserving historically significant places that still exist.

“These pages inspire us,” said King. “They inspire us to be champions of change. We see what normal people can do when normal people are committed and willing to do whatever is necessary to bring about change. “

The new book appears at a time when the country is grappling with issues of racial justice and is reckoning with a history of racism. It also comes out as the nation emerges from a pandemic that has limited our ability to travel and visit historical sites.

Mark Jaronski of Georgia’s Department of Tourism says the Civil Rights Trail can not only help bring visitors back to the state, but also serve to educate them at the same time.

“Because of its uniqueness, the King District is incredibly important not just for Atlanta, but for all of Georgia. It is the only site in the entire national park system that follows a person like Martin Luther King from birth to grave, ”Jaronski said.