Raleigh Pilgrimage of Pain & Hope

Coming in October 2022, Raleigh’s Pilgrimage of Pain and Hope, a life-changing weekend event, is the journey of a pilgrim (one who travels to foreign lands or sacred spaces) in the course of one's life on earth. Many of us don't know the truth about life in Raleigh. If you don't have to sit in the fact, it doesn't affect how you live. The Raleigh Pilgrimage will start on Friday afternoons and run through Sunday afternoon. It is a journey through the eyes of people with lived experience who run the gamut from indigenous persons through the history of slavery, segregation, desegregation, and urban renewal and acknowledging the persistent pain experienced by those dealing with racism in all forms in today’s society. While this pilgrimage is based on Christian principles, this is not only for persons who practice Christianity. Being open to this journey allows one to reflect on ways to begin to help with healing and creating hope in our community.

This is part of the leadership group as they prepare for the upcoming sessions at Mordecai House, a former plantation in Raleigh.

Wels Blanchard is filming (L-R), Todd Valentine, Carmen Cauthen, and Micah Sedillos.

In an introspective moment, Todd Valentine sits at the front of St. Marks Chapel, which was donated and moved to the Mordecai site.

Our history is important and informs our present and future. #myhistoryourhistory