CLOSED EVENT- 2022 Pauli Murray Pilgrimage: Walk + Reflect

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. What is this?

“Pilgrimage" is a term that can mean many different things, but in this context, we’re using it to describe a spiritual journey leading to places with particular significance. On this specific pilgrimage, the places have special connections to the Rev. Dr. Pauli Murray. To learn more about pilgrimages, visit this page on The Conversation.

During the event, participants will walk between sites of importance to the Rev. Dr. Murray, self-guided by a pilgrimage passbook with information about each stop and spaces to be stamped. At each stop, there will be reflection prompts, as well as opportunities to reflect through writing or art.

a. Do I need to be a Christian or Episcopalian to join?

Everyone is welcome on the pilgrimage; you don’t need to be Episcopalian, Christian, or religious! At each stop, there will be prayers, meditations, and conversation starters and you can choose whichever activity feels best for you. The organizers have worked hard to make the event inclusive and people of all belief systems and backgrounds are welcome!

b. How well should I know Pauli Murray to join?

If you are unfamiliar with the Rev. Dr. Murray, we recommend familiarizing yourself with their history beforehand in order to get the most out of the pilgrimage. This can be done by visiting this page about Pauli Murray’s life, watching the documentary My Name Is Pauli Murray on Amazon Prime, reading their memoir Proud Shoes or their autobiography Song in a Weary Throat.

2. Where will we be going?

On the Pauli Murray Pilgrimage, participants will be invited to walk between 4 locations of importance to the Rev. Dr. Pauli Murray: the Pauli Murray Center for History and Social Justice (the home where the Rev. Dr. Murray grew up) at 906 Carroll Street, Veranda at Whitted at 200 E Umstead Rd, St. Titus Episcopal Church at 400 Moline Street, and Stanford L. Warren Library at 1208 Fayetteville Street. We will also have a rest stop at Orchard Park at 1000 S. Duke Street. The pilgrimage is a 4.5 mile loop starting and ending at the Pauli Murray Center, and participants are welcome to walk to all, or only some of the four stops. See the map below for an overview of the route.

3. Does the pilgrimage cost money?

In order to make this event accessible to all, registration is entirely free. We welcome donations to support the Pauli Murray Center and help us offset the costs of the program. Registration allows us to gauge how many people we can expect in attendance.

4. What time does it start and when should it end? How long does it take?

You can begin the pilgrimage anytime between 8 AM and 11 AM. All the stops will close at 1 PM. At an average walking speed, the route is one and a half hours, but participants are encouraged to rest, walk slowly, and take their time. We recommend budgeting at least 2 hours to complete the entire journey. However, if you have less time, you are welcome to walk through just a few of the stops and make the journey as short as you wish.

5. Where can I park?

Parking will be available at the First Calvary Baptist Church parking lots on Cornell Street, which are .3 miles from the Pauli Murray Center. Limited street parking in the neighborhood will also be available.

6. What should I bring?

Due to the expected heat, we recommend that you bring a water bottle and wear sunscreen, comfortable clothing, and walking shoes. Cups of water will be provided at each stop of the pilgrimage.

7. Can I walk in a group? Is it okay to walk alone?

You are welcome to attend the pilgrimage as an individual or with a group! We ask that you register individually so that we can get a sense of how many people will be attending. If you aren’t attending with a group but would like to engage with others, arrive at the Pauli Murray Center at 8, 9, 10, or 11 AM for a brief introduction to the pilgrimage and you can begin the journey with other participants.

8. Can I drive through the pilgrimage? How accessible is the route?

Participants are welcome to travel as much or as little of the route as they want, are comfortable with, or able to. If walking is inaccessible, participants may also ride in a car between stops. There is limited parking available at most stops. If you have any questions about this, please reach out to Callie Swaim-Fox at admin@paulimurraycenter.org.

The majority of the route is along sidewalks, but there is an approximately .3 mile section around St. Titus that is on a quiet residential street without sidewalks. We will do our best to clear off the sidewalks before the event, but there are uneven areas along the route. Additionally, there are some inclines and one hill along the route.

There will be limited seating available at each stop. In between the Pauli Murray Center and Veranda at Whitted, there will be a rest stop (Orchard Park) that is not related to Pauli Murray, but simply a space to relax. At Orchard Park, there will be ample seating and space to reflect, as well as water and shade.

9. Is this kid-friendly and pet-friendly?

Kids are welcome to attend this event, but materials and activities are not aimed at younger age groups. The heat and length of the route also could be challenging to children, so parents should consider what would work best for their families. Undertaking only a part of the route or driving along the route might be an option for families.

All service animals are welcome; however, due to the narrow city sidewalks and the heat, pets are not encouraged on the pilgrimage.

10. What COVID-19 precautions are in place?

Since the majority of the event is outdoors, masks will not be required. Participants are welcome to wear masks if they choose to. Participants may be asked to wear masks indoors to use the restroom. Hand sanitizer will be available at the stops and social distancing will be encouraged.

COVID-19 procedures may be updated as we get closer to the event.

11. Are restrooms available during the program?

There will be a port-a-potty available at the Pauli Murray Center, public restrooms at Hillside Park along the route, and restrooms indoors on the third stop at St. Titus Episcopal Church.

12. What if it rains?

This event will continue, rain or shine. Please bring an umbrella or rain clothes if the forecast suggests rain.

13. Can I help out with the event?

We would love to have your help! If you are interested in volunteering during the pilgrimage, please fill out this form.

14. Who should I contact with any questions?

You can reach out to Callie Swaim-Fox at admin@paulimurraycenter.org with any questions!