Sojourn to the Past

Sojourn to the Past (STTP) continues to transform and empower the lives of youth who are racially, ethnically, academically, socially, and economically diverse. Now in its sixteenth year, Sojourn to the Past leads educators and students on transformative immersion journeys. Young people meet activists of the Civil Rights Movement and take part in interactive presentations and anti-racism/social justice workshops led by Minnijean Brown-Trickey. Further, students design direct action plans where they address issues of injustice in their communities. Sojourn has reached approximately 450,000 youth, teachers, administrators and community stakeholders.

Sojourners strive to give recognition to silent voices and decrease the number of individuals who are silent witnesses to bullying, violence, homophobia and other anti-humane behaviors. “I truly believe that the Sojourn program is moving our country forward by changing these students’ lives.” - Congressman John Lewis (veteran leader of the Civil Rights Movement).

Collectively, youth who take part in the Sojourn experience are transformed and demonstrate an increased sense of empowerment to affect change and help others. Student participants return home with increased self-confidence and an expanded belief in their capabilities to successfully engage in rigorous academic work as well as a heightened understanding of America’s diverse cultures and history. “Sojourn changed the way I look at the problems of the world and the ways to solve them. Sojourn gave me the tools to connect with myself, with others, and the world around me.” (Sojourn alumnus).

A primary goal of Sojourn to the Past is to begin the process of empowering students to become the next generation of leaders for social change and healing. Students are taught the principles of non-violence and are inspired to engage values of social justice to dismantle racism and oppression. Students are encouraged to create a more civil society where diversity is embraced, and where racism, sexism, bullying and all forms of oppression are vehemently discouraged, allowing all people to be treated with respect, dignity and love.

Sojourn is noteworthy because it inspires students to put the lessons they learn from history into practice in their lives and school communities. Students advance in creating a society that is free of discrimination, violence, hatred, bigotry, and inequity.

“Sojourn has been selected to receive the Coretta Scott King A.N.G.E.L. Award, January 2016, because of your commitment to educating and empowering young people to gain an understanding of the impact of the civil rights movement...in the areas of peace, social justice and nonviolent social change...”, Bernice A. King.

With racially motivated and hate-based misconduct is on the rise across the country, Sojourn recognizes a responsibility to maintain and broaden its outreach in teaching high school youth history’s lessons aimed at mitigating intolerance and violence in our society.

 

Please help support Sojourn to the Past. Visit us at www.sojournproject.com