Rescheduled Pauli Murray Pilgrimage: May 6, 2023, 9 AM-1 PM

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Event Details

• Participants will learn about the history of Durham and its importance in Murray’s legacy. At each stop, participants will receive selected prayers, meditations, and conversation starters to encourage reflection and fellowship.

•The full pilgrimage route is 4.5 miles, but it's up to you how long you walk.

• Starting and ending location: The Pauli Murray Center, located at 906 Carroll Street. Additional Stops: Orchard Park, Veranda at Whitted (Historic Hillside high school), St. Titus' Episcopal Church, and Stanford L. Warren Library.

• You can begin the journey anytime between 9 AM and 1 PM. Special kickoff programs at will happen at 9, 10, 11, and 12 noon.

•You can walk or drive the route (walking and driving maps will be provided) and there will be a shuttle service along the route for walkers who want to return to the Pauli Murray Center at any point.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. What is this Event?

This event combines community building, history, and spirituality. We’re using "Pilgrimage" to describe a spiritual journey leading to places with particular significance and connections to the Rev. Dr. Pauli Murray.

Participants can walk or drive this self-guided route between sites of importance to the Rev. Dr. Murray. At each stop, you will get a unique stamp in your pilgrimage passbook, information about the history of the location, and reflection prompts. You can also sit a spell and add to our reflection books through writing or art.

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

Everyone is welcome on the Pauli Murray Pilgrimage; you don’t need to be Episcopalian, Christian, or religious! At each stop, you can choose from prayers, meditations, and conversation starters, whichever activity feels best for you.

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

You can learn more about Pauli Murray 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. 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.

2. Where will we be going?

• 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 (Pauli Murray's high school)
• St. Titus Episcopal Church at 400 Moline Street
• Stanford L. Warren Library at 1208 Fayetteville Street.
• 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 or drive to some or all of stops. See the map below for an overview of the walking route. A driving map will be available closer to the event.

3. Does the pilgrimage cost money?

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?

Begin the pilgrimage anytime between 9 AM and 1PM. All the stops will close at 2 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?

Park at Morehead Avenue Baptist Church, a gravel lot on Carroll Street, and on street parking in the neighborhood.

6. What should I bring?

We recommend that you bring a water bottle and wear sunscreen, comfortable clothing, and walking shoes. Cups for water and water stations 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 want to begin the journey with other participants, arrive at the Pauli Murray Center at 9, 10, 11 AM or 12 noon.

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

You are welcome to drive the route! Driving maps will be available at each stop. Street parking is available around each stop.

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 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?

Although materials and activities are aimed at adults, kids and families are welcome on the pilgrimage! The 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, pets are not encouraged on the pilgrimage.

10. What COVID-19 precautions are in place?

The majority of the event is outdoors and masks are optional. 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, 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 send an email to Karita Cardona (they/them) at execadmin@paulimurraycenter.org.

14. Who should I contact with any questions?

Reach out to Callie Swaim-Fox (she/her) at admin@paulimurraycenter.org with any questions!