Slavery in Our Nation's Capital: 1-Day Pilgrimage

Due to current group travel concerns and restrictions, we're planning a mini-pilgrimage in the DC/NoVA area.  We're combining two wonderful tours into one eye-opening day of history and hidden narratives. 

We'll kick off our day at Union Station in Washington DC, and be led on a walking tour by Kate Denson of DC Justice Walks.  Explore major DC sites through the lens of social justice.  Examine Christopher Columbus and First Nations of DC while touring Union Station.  Experience a different side to the National Mall as a historic protest site, the site of historic slave markets, and the home to the Japanese American Internment Memorial. Join us for a time of history, remembrance, and appreciation for a more hidden side of our Nation's capital.

Then we'll have a break from 12-2pm where you'll take a rest, grab some lunch on your own, and we'll relocate to Old Town Alexandria for an afternoon of exploring Black History and lesser-known narratives in that neighborhood. This 90-minute guided walking tour along the Duke Street corridor in Old Town Alexandria will visit sites connected to the early Alexandria slave trade, such as the former site of Franklin & Armfield and the former Bruin Slave Jail site that held the Edmonson sisters, as well as sites that connect to early African American’s spirituality such Shiloh Baptist Church and the Alexandria National Cemetery. 

• There will be a lot of walking that day, and we'll plan to be out there, rain or shine. 
• Wear comfortable shoes, be ready to walk several miles during each tour, dress in layers, and suit up for whatever the weather throws our way.
• The tours will be held entirely outside and we encourage people to find the mode of transportation between the two tour locations (Union Station and Old Town Alexandria) that they are most comfortable with. 
• Lunch will be on your own, and you can bring your own food or there are lots of options at Union Station and in Old Town Alexandria for sit-down or carry out.
• If desired, we can coordinate a group lunch location on the day-of based on what the weather is like and what group preferences are.  

If you have other questions, please email Karla Petty (karla@inthecoracle.org).

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