The Civil Rights Movement: Atlanta, Montgomery, Selma, Birmingham

This is a trip every U.S. citizen should take. I wish I had done it years ago.

What a fabulous week! This was my first Road Scholar tour, but it won't be the last.

Thanks, Road Scholar for guiding and enriching me with an interesting program.

The Civil Rights Movement Tour was amazing. It gave me new insights on our country's difficult history and the ability to be "in the room where it happened." I highly recommend this experience.

The Civil Rights Movement program takes learning about this period to a level beyond the history books. We trod the same steps that the heroic men, women, and children did in their struggle for racial justice. The speakers who recounted their extraordinary and often painful experiences were excellent, and the various historical sites we visited all left deep impressions. The accommodations and meals were high quality, and the tour bus was modern, clean, and comfortable. I highly recommend this program, from which I returned not only enlightened but inspired.

The Civil Rights Movement: Atlanta, Montgomery, Selma and Birmingham trip was life-changing. Essential for understanding the power of non-violent social action and the roots of systemic racism in the US today. Road Scholar's program with local experts offered a learning experience that couldn't be done traveling to these cities and sites on one's own.

This was an excellent program. Although I knew about many of the events that were talked about on the tour, my level of knowledge was superficial. This program brought me to a much deeper level of understanding and knowledge about the devastating impact slavery and discrimination had on Blacks people

Great educational program. Learned so much! Road Scholar does a great job end-to-end.

I got so much information about the civil rights movement that I had never learned before. My eyes were opened to both the history and current state of affairs.

The US would be in a better place if everyone could take this tour.

Best RS program I've participated in. It was moving, educational, difficult, painful and hopeful all at the same time. Phenomenal speakers and local guides who brought the Civil Right movement to life and helped us link it to what still needs to be done.

Very well organized visits of important sites along with lectures by people with expertise on the topic of US civil rights and its history. The museum's and films gave a clear and objective picture of the times and experiences of American Civil Rights leaders.

The Civil Rights Movement trip was an invaluable way to learn about this so-important part of our history. Seeing Civil Rights sites first-hand, especially the Legacy Museum in Montgomery, made an enormous impact on me.

I cannot overstate the richness of this experience. The people we met, the experts who taught us, the museums and sites we visited - they all were life-changing (no hyperbole!). History became real, and I am dedicated to learning more - and living my life anew with the lessons learned.

It was an incredible experience which was long overdue!!

I learned so much! Eventhough I lived through the 1950-70's and was locally politically involved (in Minnesota), I learned much from the terrific museums and the speakers that were included in this program. Road Scholar has never disappointed me!

A trip every American should take. The program is informative, inspirational, and maybe life-changing. The museums are only part of the experience--the firsthand, lived experiences of the leaders, guides, and lecturers is unique to Road Scholar. And the food is amazing, often featuring local rather than chain restaurants.

This trip was outstanding, but at times emotionally exhausting--some of the content is (and should be) disturbing. The Martin Luther King Center is gorgeous, very interactive & inspirational. The Center for Civil and Human Rights Museum (Montgomery) is also very interactive, I'm a professor who teaches civil rights. It was very moving and allowed me to 'touch' and experience the history I've lived through, and teach. The lunch top sit in demonstration is profound. We visited the Carter Presidential Library/Museum, Loved it... Both Carters have given so much back to the US & globally since their brief and troubled Presidency. Our current time would benefit from true public servants seeking to improve the world for all. The Rosa Parks Museum, 16th St Baptist Church, & Dr. King's Ebenezer Baptist Church, as well as the Freedom Walk, were profound personal experiences, some sacred. I did skip the Legacy and Lynching Museums (others shared photos & reactions--very disturbing for them). The highlight which brought me to tears, was walking over the Edmund Pettus Bridge, the site of "Bloody Sunday" March 7 1965--lead by John Lewis (a hero of mine) and Jose Williams. It ended in brutal violence projected into all Americans TV screens living rooms. A week later, then President Lyndon Johnson addressed Congress--advocating for the 1965 Voting Rights Act, which he signed into law in August 1965 -- only six months later. Our Tour Director, Denise and James were wonderful, always finding information, offering 'insider suggestions' for maximizing our visits (which I wish were longer), accommodating personal concerns, limitations, and making our visits a life-time memory. Local speakers/experts, especially Diane Harris (a participant in the Bloody Sunday march) and Dr Spirull's lecture/King photos were outstanding, I learned a LOT & started with a good foundation of knowledge before coming. I am already wait listed for my 2nd trip (Xmas Biltmore). Elizabeth W

After this trip I "get-it" Living in the N. I was pretty isolated with the conditions in the S. I failed to realize how really Horrific treatment of black people was, particularly during the Jim Crow era.

I highly recommend the Civil Rights program of Road Scholar. In one week you travel to several of the major locations in the context of where the Movement was born. We learned about the key events, leaders, and issues that impacted and gave impetus to the birth of the Civil Rights Movement in the US. Issues and challenges were both mentioned and analyzed, and nothing was held back. This program broadened and deepened my understanding of the era, and has provided me with both tools and the motivation to further study the issues explored.

The Civil Rights Movement: Atlanta, Montgomery, Selma, and Birmingham went way beyond my expectations. My fellow travelers, the excellent and attractive hotels, the restaurants, the sites visited, and the superb speakers all made this one of the best and most transformative trips I have ever made. Thank you.

I rarely do reviews because I feel they have no effect. However, I need to get this off my chest: 1. I went on the Civil Rights trip in November 2023. 2. Substantively, I found the trip different than the description in your catalogue. It was much more superficial than I had hoped for. Although the Museums and Civil Rights sites were awe inspiring, (especially the Legacy Museum), our lecturers seemed stuck in the 60's. Any attempt to put the Civil rights struggle in a current context was rebuffed. 3..The first two places we went to in Atlanta had nothing to do with the Civil Rights movement. (The Capitol and the Carter Center. ) We saw remnants of the Confederacy in the capitol. When our guides were asked about this, they did not respond. I was left with the impression that there was disdain for white northerners and our curiosity. 4. Most of the women on the trip were Jewish and any attempt by any of the women to put the war in the Middle East and the Civil Rights struggle in some context was rebuffed. 5. In addition, I was told by some of the women that the bus driver had said something quite anti-semitic. (I believe it was something along the lines of the Jews controlling all the money. I did not hear this trope so I can not say for sure it was said. I did sense a certain hostility however.) 6. I had a /trip to the ER in Montgomery. I was in 5 Ubers in a 24 hour period, trying to find the antibiotics the Dr. had ordered. The first Uber driver would not take me to the CVS he was routed to because he said it was not safe. This began a 5 hour journey for me through some pretty rough neighborhoods in Montgomery. 7. The hotels and the food were abysmal. (I had to move after the first night in Atlanta and I am told that some of the women found cockroaches in their rooms.) 8. When I suffered the cut and had to go to the ER in Montgomery, our Guide set up a Case for me so I could get reimbursed. RS has refused to honor this submission.

An excellent educational week on Civil Rights Movement. It covered material very thoroughly and you will learn a lot. Physically and emotionally spent by the end of the week.

This is a thought provoking program. It offered me wonderful insights about a challenging time in American history which we must remain cognizant of today.

What an incredible and emotionally painful week of enlightenment! Thank you Road Scholar, our hosts Tom and Janet, our driver James and my newest travel friends for taking this journey with me!

This was a moving experience with important lessons in effective approaches in the journey toward a unified multicultural society. The experiences immerse you into the times and struggles of a critical time in our country history.

Program was very informative. It was well organized yet flexible enough to change as unpredicted situations arose.

This was my first Road Scholar tour. From the first day of the tour, the excellence of the program and the tour guides and leaders were evident. As the days passed I only became more and more convinced that this is the way I want to travel in the future. I met so many fellow travelers and guides too, who share my curiosity about the world. I am so grateful that I discovered Road Scholar. Thank you!!

This was an awe-inspiring, highly educational trip. I would recommend it to anyone with an interest in the history of our country and in the courage of those people who fought to make it live up to its ideals.

If you do no other traveling, you must take this trip. This is an in-depth look at the history of the Civil Rights movement, right where it all happened. The tour guides knew their subject matter and the guest speakers were experts. The food options were incredible. It’s a wonderful, yet heart-breaking look at some of the uglier sides of our nation’s history and some of the leaders who made “good trouble.” Highly, highly recommend!

Excellent program. Highly recommended.

Unique, excellent program. Lots to learn about and see

What an amazing glimpse into our history. Every voter should be informed and understand our collective history. Bring your children or grandchildren and make a difference in your community.

This was my first Road Scholar trip; therefore I cannot compare it with anything. It more than met my expectations. Thank you!

A deeply important trip.

First of all, our guide Denise Swain could not have done a better job. She shared her deep knowledge and kept the group together and on schedule. As expected, the trip was thought provoking and very often emotional given the grim history that was detailed. Our guide also took into consideration the emotional stress we might be experiencing. I would make one suggestion: The National Center for Civil and Human Rights was a deeply absorbing place to visit. I would suggest building an additional half-hour or so into the visit there. I wonder whether it would be possible to prevail upon Bryan Stevenson to spend even a brief Q&A session with this group. I'm very impressed with all that he has done--a compelling book and two impressive sites in Montgomery, all completed in a relatively short period of time, all contemporary. This was a trip that will live with me for a long time. Frequently at our dining tables we spoke of what we could/would do to improve our communities when we returned home. I'm still mulling that question. Perhaps someone--maybe Mr. Stevenson--could address that question with the group. Michael

Civil Rights and racism in the United States are difficult and uncomfortable topics. This Road Scholar program gives much information and opportunity for people to learn and perhaps resolve their quandries. I loved every minute.

The Civil Rights Movement program was shocking, mind-blowing, and life changing. If you want to learn about this important part of American History, I highly recommend it. You will never be the same.

All I can say is that all Americans need to take this trip. The materials, the presentations and the sites visited were superb. I know folks who did a self guided tour. The experience is, I believe, deeper and more meaningful when in the context of speakers and a guide. Yea for Road Scholar including this as one of their programs. It is so much more than "travel".

The Civil Rights Tour is so enlightening and educational, although the subject matter is sobering. We visited many really good museums and saw the important places in the struggle. I recommend this tour to anyone who wants a better understanding of this period of American history.

I highly recommend The Civil Rights Movement trip. Growing up during this historical time in America peaked my interest in this trip. The books I read in preparation for this trip, the museums we visited and the speakers (many of whom were part of the movement) greatly enhanced my knowledge. I found this trip very apropro for the times we are living in currently in America.

I recently participated in "Civil Rights Movement" tour. It was enlightening, and in that way quite excellent. I would like to know from others who have completed this program what follow up they may be planning as a way to improve the many remaining hardships consistent with being black in the United States. I intend to identify actions that I can take within my own sphere of influence, but I have not as yet made any plans, and would like to know what recommendations others can offer. Thank you.

This was the tour of a lifetime for those of us who were raised in the white culture and think we understand slavery and it's consequences. I recommend it to all who think they get it...there is way more to learn.

This was my 44th program with Road Scholar. And it is probably the most informative that I have been on about an area of our US that I had never visited before and am old enough to remember many of the events that we studied and places that we visited. Being from CA, Atlanta is far away!

I thought the experience was excellent: well organized, with a lot of activity but variety that kept the pace workable. Terrie was very responsive and approached all with flexibility and a positive attitude. The accommodations were comfortable and the bus transport well done. All of the presenters were excellent, knew their material and also presented a variety of views as well as unusual "lenses" to see and learn more about this history. Because of a weather threat, more time was allowed at the Legacy Museum in Montgomery than would have been the case on the original schedule. That was a happy accident, and I suggest allowing open-ended time there as we had. It is such an important and well-done venue, even if emotionally exhausting!

The Civil Rights trip is a must for anyone living in today's political climate who doesn't understand the past and how we got here! Fabulous program!

This is a very special program. The educators created rich learning experiences I will never forget. We visited several places I'd read about and always longed to visit.

This trip was exceptionally well presented and organized, giving travelers the opportunity to step back in time and come forward to the present with each speaker, museum, and site visit.

I can't say enough good things about this trip. It was a large group but felt small in part because the group leader (Terrie) did such an excellent job communicating with us. The days were jam packed with lots of interesting experiences. This trip far exceeded my expectations which were high to begin with.

I wish every American could have the Civil Rights Tour experience!

This is an excellent program! I'm telling everybody I know about about what a wonderful experience it was.

Road Scholar's Civil Rights Program should be required for all new politicians! The program gives you a better understanding of the many other foot soldiers who helped propel the Civil Rights Movement forward as well as the work still required for social justice and equality in the U.S.

Everyone should take this trip.

This is a program every American should take.

This was an excellent program that added to my knowledge of American history. The EJI Legacy Museum in Montgomery is a must-see.

If you are looking to know more about the Civil Rights Movement and wanting to be inspired by the nonviolent philosophy practiced during the Civil Rights Movement, sign up immediately for this tour. Margaret

This program was absolutely fantastic and exceeded my expectations. While I can't say I "enjoyed" learning about civil rights (it was violent in some instances), I very much appreciated the information I gained. I also was very impressed with the knowledge of the instructors, the tour leader, and their sensitivity and care in presenting facts and real-life accounts to us, who happened to be an all-white audience.

Move this tour to the top of your list! This turbulent time in history will come alive. The courage and persistence of the thousands that participated is truly remarkable and inspiring. Nancy

The civil rights trip was a transformative journey. I recommend it to anyone who is interested in gaining a fuller understanding of racism and the violence directed at black people in our country.

Just recently got back f=rom the Civil Rights Tour that I would highly recommend.

Great sights, great presenters for those of us who think we remember the Civil Rights era.

My understanding of the racism and struggles the black community encounters was substantially expanded thought my participation in the tour. I am embarrassed at how we, white Americans, have treated our black fellow citizens.

This is the best learning program of any type that I’ve ever been on. I wasn’t sure what to expect, and it was such a positive experience! We were given a comprehensive view of African American history through lectures, visits to memorials and excellent museums, walking tours. This gave us context for truly understanding the struggles of the Civil Rights movement. Every minute was put to good use, including viewing documentaries on the bus rides. We also enjoyed delicious southern cooking. Our tour leader kept things real and on time — she was upbeat, respectful, knowledgeable. I knew very little about this time in American history, but now I’ve been inspired to read more, do more. This program is Road Scholar at its very best. Highly, highly recommended and well worth the investment of time and money.

The Roads Scholar Civil Rights Movement trip was a learning and inspirational experience for me. Gave me new insights and appreciation for the freedoms we enjoy in our country today and why we must be vigilant in not letting them be taken away from us.

The Civil Rights tour is a lesson in the history of the United States, one which several states are now trying to erase. I wish young people had the opportunity to experience what I did.

This Road Scholar program is literally a life-changing experience! I can say without reservation that it is the best domestic RS program that we have experienced.

This trip was excellent. The field trips and accompanying information provided by our lecturers were excellent. The flow of the various stops was very well planned and helped us build on our knowledge and experience. This trip helped me connect the dots in our very challenging history. The Legacy Museum and Legacy Memorial was outstanding and will stay with me forever.

This was my first Road Scholar tour, and I plan to do many more. It was a great experience. The Road Scholar employees are phenomenal. They are organized, welcoming, and seamless problem-solvers. I met wonderful people and learned so much about a subject I already knew a lot about. The experience was priceless.

This is an amazing program that brings alive the startling pieces of history that took place during our own lifetimes - but at a time when we were still too young to fully grasp what they signified.

The Civil Rights Tour was an incredible and life-changing program. Every American should take it!!

Excellent learning experience. Hotels were comfy. I experienced good Southern cuisine and other good food. Denise our leader and James our driver were both top-notch. Denise was a knowledgeable, skilled and compassionate tour leader. All guides were excellent.

Incredibly enlightening, challenging to face man's inhumanity to man. I would highly recommend to all with interest in this country's painful past that we might work to a brighter tomorrow. Very well presented program. And please, please leave your politics at home in consideration for others.

Outstanding program and an unforgettable learning experience!

This was a very powerful and enlightening trip that I highly recommend to everyone. At times it was emotionally challenging, and it was helpful to have like-minded and concerned trip participants with whom to discuss it all. I had done a lot of reading before the trip, but found myself constantly learning. Camilla our tour leader was wonderful, as was James our bus driver. The lecturers and local guides were all top-notch. Diane (our local guide in Selma) had walked as a young girl in the crowd on Bloody Sunday. Her stories were fascinating. The hotels were all comfortable and well-located. Anyone concerned about the racial history of this country (and its' impact today), would do well to take this trip.

The Civil Rights tour was life-changing. I have studied racial justice issues on my own, and could never duplicate this program’s excellent content, dedicated lecturers, positive learning environment, and logistical support.

I knew the outlines of the Civil Rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s, but I learned so much more on this trip. It is well organized and paced to provide information on the key events, including the Freedom Riders, Selma march, and Birmingham bombings. The guides are well informed and good presenters. I wish all citizens (and members of Congress) would take this trip.

This was an in-depth and EXCELLENT program on the Civil Rights Movement. We went to incredibly well designed museums. We experienced profound visits to the Legacy Museum and Memorial as well as the the Freedom Riders Museum, Rosa Parks Museum and many others. The instructors were excellent and shared some of their personal experiences crossing the Edmund Pettus Bridge on 'Bloody Sunday.' The accommodations were excellent and the meals were mostly all very delicious. The videos we watched on the bus very educational and well done. The schedule was very doable and our trip to the Carter Presidential Center was a delight. You cannot attend a trip like this and not be profoundly changed and empathetic to the plight of Black people in this country. While it is at times painful, I cannot recommend attending this program enough. I would recommend that every high school student go on this program instead of going to Washington DC to learn about America's history. Bravo Road Scholar for this amazing program.

I loved all the singing we did!

White people can no longer ignore the legacy of slavery in this country. This program presents a thoughtful and powerful perspective about race and racism in this country.

This was a great program. The experience enhanced my knowledge of the 1960s Civil Rights period. It was interesting and heartfelt to be at the sites history has memorialized.

This program made the history of the Civil Rights Movement vivid and compelling. It was comprehensive and included both museum visits, site visits and informative and appealing guest speakers. This program should be on everyone's 'bucket list.'

My husband and I just completed our third Road Scholar trip. All have been great but this one, Civil Rights trip to Atlanta, Montgomery, Selma, and Birmingham is exceptional. We highly recommend it to everyone who wants to learn more about the Civil Rights era and how it impacts our lives today.

This is a very valuable program that I would recommend to anyone who has a interest in our nation's history and the impact that past events are having in today's world. Time well spent.

This trip is exceptional! It’s deep, challenging, thought-provoking, insightful, comprehensive, and exposes participants to the truth about this era in our history. It offers an historical perspective that has led to our current times, and is told by people who were and are still there…it’s not what we learned in school.

The Civil Rights Tour provides awesome interactive opportunities to learn about past transgressions against humanity with like-minded participants.

This experience was invaluable to me. I lived through the 60's as a teenager, seeing it all again as an adult, increased my appreciation for the Civil Rights Movement. Knowing this history, helps to understand and appreciated the issues and concerns we have in our country today.

My first Road Scholar tour: "The Civil Rights Movement: Atlanta, Montgomery, Selma, Birmingham". I would do it again ! Also, met a fellow traveler who was on his 65th ! Road Scholar tour, and the perk was he is from Estonia, where my grandfather was born :) The trip had no glitches. The tour guides/speakers were very well informed and entertaining. Our tour host, Camilla, is retired and now leading Road Scholar groups because she loves doing so. James drove the coach; we were comfortable with his skill. The hotels were pleasant and conveniently located; a breakfast buffet was included at each of our three hotels. The museums were exceptional but there wasn't enough time to see as much as desired. There were some diversions due to covid but the substitutions were perfectly acceptable.

This was a good trip in all regards. A good coordinator, very good speakers and activities. Hotels and meals were, in most part, very good. Enough free time to explore further or unwind. Bus was comfortable and clean. I would do another trip based on what I experienced on this trip.

This program was not only educational, but so moving. To be able to visit the MLK Memorial, the Rosa Parks Museum, Selma and the Pettus Bridge, plus the 18th St. Baptist Church in Montgomery - along with local instructors who added so much perspective - was truly a unique experience.

Road Scholar was a great learning experience in Sept 2021 looking for another tour with them next month.

This program exceeded all of my expectations. I learned so much, met so many caring, knowledgeable people that I unconditionally satisfied. It was also a great benefit for the money I spent. I definitely will plan to attend other Road Scholar programs

I would whole heartily recommend this program. The speakers were excellent; the museums were informative; and may sites were very emotionally moving. Camilla Comerford is an excellent group leader. I was concerned that I would feel rushed at some of the sites, but that was not the case. The days were busy, but Camilla has everything very well planned and also has time built in so that you can return to a museum if you want to. The only suggestion I have is to go on one of the small groups ones if you can because space is limited at some of the sites. But mainly: just go. This is an excellent program.

All Americans should take this trip. It saddened me, but I learned a great deal. I am glad I went.

The Civil Rights Trip was a wonderful, educational, emotional trip which helped me better understand the Civil Rights Movement and the implications of race in America today. The leader, Camilla Comerford, was wonderful -- enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and fostered a wonderful group learning environment. The speakers were great, often with actual directly-related experience. The museum and memorial in Montgomery is something that I think everyone would benefit from seeing. This is not a "fun" trip but it is a deeply meaningful and worthwhile trip.

This is a voyage we all need to make - with our feet, through our minds, and in our hearts.

Road Scholar allowed me to learn about the civil rights events that I missed earlier in my life. Although I have not reenable to attend these events in person at their time,RS has greaty failitated my learning and involvement with these crucial events.

This is a fabulous, informative, perspective-changing trip. Road Scholar planned it beautifully and respectfully. The guides and teachers at each site were amazing.

This program taught me so much about the Civil Rights Movement and helped me connect the dots with my limited previous knowledge. It was very well organized, our speakers were excellent and the excursions added to my educational experience.

Excellent Program. The itinerary and the speakers/leaders were perfect for the theme of the excursion.

This is an extremely important tour. Every U.S. resident would benefit greatly from this trip. I am extremely grateful for the experience.

This program reminds us that we need to understand the complexities of our shared history and we should remain vigilant about threats to our rights as citizens ... of any and all beliefs, viewpoints, colors and interests. Excellent speakers, program and experience.

Don’t miss this educational opportunity of a lifetime! On the civil rights tour you will learn much, be moved much, and emerge a more compassionate and understanding person. All of the sites are essential, and the speakers are first rate. Grab your friends or your mate or both and sign up for this trip! Susanna Wilson, Los Angeles

The Civil Rights Movement trip was superb. It is extremely well organized and includes many wonderful and meaningful places to visit and experience. The content of the trip is at times appropriately sobering, but enlightening as well. The guide was great, patient, organized, and enjoyable to be with. Food and lodging are fine. An excellent Road Scholar trip. (By the way, at the end of the trip the bus DOES return you to the starting point hotel, where you are allowed to park your car for free.) Anyone that chooses this trip should also see the MEMPHIS Civil Rights Museum, which includes the Loraine Motel as well as an excellent and moving museum.

The week is chock full of enlightening experiences. The local experts are not to be missed. Don't hesitate, sign up!

This was a transformational trip for me. Just the visit to the Peace and Justice Museum and Memorial made the trip worth it - but there was so much more.

Even though I was around for the Civil Rights events of the early '60s, I really didn't have a deep understanding of what happened. As a result of this trip, I now have a much better grounding in this important aspect of our shared history.

Outstanding tour for anyone interested in learning more about the Civil Rights movement and seeing first-hand key sites. Great tour guides and lecturers at every stop. But be ready for an intensive week-long experience, one that may exhaust you emotionally. As with the two previous Road Scholar trips we have taken, this one was very well organized, and the group we travelled with was very friendly and helpful to each other. We did the "small group" version of the trip, which I would recommend if it's available and fits your schedule, as a few of the sites were hard to fit even the 23 people in our group (for example, Martin Luther King Jr's parsonage in Montgomery).

As always with Road Scholar, I learned how little I know about this time. Haunting and realistic view of a difficult time which reinforced our belief that we may be slow to learn, and we still have far to go, as we seem to repeat some of our past mistakes... well worth the time! Fellow Road Scholars on every trip always make it the best part of the journey- good food, great lodgings, interesting people, terrific conversations!