Black Belt Pilgrimage
#CulturalHeritageTourism #CommunityEngagement #EconomicGrowth #CulturalPreservation #PlaceAssociates
Black Belt Pilgrimage Project: Preserving History, Inspiring the Future
Lighting the Way to Equality
The Black Belt Pilgrimage Project captures a profound narrative of the Civil Rights Movement in Alabama’s Black Belt, spanning Dallas, Lowndes, and Perry Counties. This project goes beyond preserving historical sites; it’s about connecting communities to a rich heritage and building a foundation for economic growth through cultural tourism.
A Journey Through Time
This initiative revives pivotal Civil Rights sites and local stories, offering a deeper understanding of America’s journey toward equality. From the hallowed grounds of Brown Chapel A.M.E. Church in Selma to the legacy of the Freedom House in White Hall, each location serves as a testament to resilience, unity, and the ongoing pursuit of justice.
Our Role
Place Associates collaborated as part of a multidisciplinary team for The Conservation Fund led by DesignAlabama that also includes Marshall Anderson with Design Initiative, Steve Cox the Founder & Chairman, of Alabama Civil Rights Tourism Association and the Center for Conservation and Community, and Angela Stiff with Copper Wing Design. Place Associates’ primary role involved community engagement, providing design ideas, and crafting a strategic framework for the project. This included integrating wayfinding elements, walking trails, and public art installations to guide visitors through these historic landscapes. The team collectively developed a dynamic vision for the project, emphasizing environmental sustainability, cultural preservation, and strategies for economic development.
Impact and Vision for the Future
This project serves as a model for how history can drive contemporary progress. With a focus on cultural-heritage tourism, the Black Belt Pilgrimage Project connects new audiences to Alabama’s rich legacy, supporting community pride and economic opportunity. By preserving these significant places, we illuminate a path forward—honoring the past, inspiring today, and shaping a brighter tomorrow for the Black Belt.
Learn More
Ready to explore Alabama's history and contribute to its future? Let’s create places that matter, together.
