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DEEP SOUTH

THE MARCH
Journey from Civil War to Civil Rights

Follow the story of America as the nation moved from the devastation of the Civil War to the courage, sacrifice, and hope of the Civil Rights Movement. Through powerful historic sites, personal stories, and biblical worldview discussions, students discover how faith, perseverance, and ordinary people helped shape extraordinary change.

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This immersive program encourages students to wrestle with difficult chapters of history while considering their own responsibility to pursue justice, reconciliation, and servant leadership. 

Image by Nils Huenerfuerst

LEARN + PREPARE

Below is an overview of what most ACTS® groups experience on The March.
Each itinerary is customized to fit your group's goals.

ITINERARY INCLUSIONS

Most ACTS® 'The March' Programs include:

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  • National Civil Rights Museum - Memphis, TN

  • Mississippi Riverboat Cruise - Memphis, TN

  • Cotton Museum - Memphis, TN

  • Selma Interpretive Center - Selma, AL

  • Edmund Pettus Bridge - Selma, AL

  • 16th Street Baptist Church - Birmingham, AL

  • Rosa Parks Museum - Montgomery, AL

  • Tuskegee University - Tuskegee, AL

  • Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site - Tuskegee, AL

  • Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park - Atlanta, GA

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With extended time or additional days the program may include:​

  • Shiloh National Military Park - Shiloh, TN

  • Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield - Kennesaw, GA

  • Additional Civil War or Civil Rights sites throughout the Deep South

CLIMATE

The Deep South offers a comfortable travel season throughout much of the year. Spring and fall bring mild temperatures and blooming landscapes, while summers are warm and humid. Students should expect occasional rain and dress comfortably for walking.

GEOGRAPHY

This program provides a driving journey through some of America's most influential historic cities across Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia. From Civil War battlefields to Civil Rights landmarks, every destination helps tell the story of a nation striving toward freedom and equality. 

WATCH

  • Documentary on the Selma to Montgomery March

  • Selma (2014) (optional for older students/educators)

  • Short videos introducing the Civil Rights Movement

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READ

  • Letter from Birmingham Jail - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

  • The 13th, 14th & 15th Amendments

  • Selected passages from the Civil Rights Act and Voting Rights Act

 
LISTEN​​

  • "Black Light"  -  Nicole C. Mullen

  • "We Shall Overcome"

  • Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech

PREPARE

MENTALLY

EAT

  • Sample lots of classic Southern favorites like fried chicken, barbecue, cornbread, collard greens, grits, and homemade pecan or peach pie.

 

DRINK

  • Lots of water! Travel days are very active - make sure to hydrate along the way.

  • Don't leave without trying authentic Southern sweet tea. Stay hydrated - the Deep South can be warm, especially during spring travel. 

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WALK​​

  • In addition to enjoying luxury motorcoach transportation, every tour day includes lots of walking - everywhere!  Prepare for your program by putting in lots of steps at home, and make sure to 'break in' your favorite new shoes for your adventure.

PHYSICALLY

Image by John Kostyk

PAIRS WELL WITH

EAST COAST OVERVIEW

The March Program is an excellent follow up experience for lower school students who have already visited Washington DC, Gettysburg, and other foundational historic landmarks along the East Coast.
Many schools utilize The March as a thought-provoking journey for their late middle and high school students to build on the conversations started on their first ACTS® program.
Speak with one of our Education Program Consultants to consider what educational adventure is best for your students at each stage, and develop your school's custom ACTS® experience.

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