DAY FIVE Charlottesville, Virginia

After an early start in Charlotte, North Carolina, we drove north heading for church (it was a Sunday after all). We were going to one church in particular, the Mount Zion First African Baptist Church of Charlottesville, Virginia. The roots of the church run from 1867, immediately following the civil war, to today. The church's pastor has been proactive in bringing interfaith communities together, initially following the racist murders at Emanuel Church in Charleston, South Carolina in 2015, and more recently in response to the actions of neo-Nazis and white supremacist groups in the summer of 2017 in Charlottesville itself. 

The church warmly welcomed us to their congregation, presenting us with gifts, and ushered us to rows giving us prime seats for the enthusiastic, energetic and joyful service. 

Words by Xavier, Year 13

“ [The White Supremacist march in Charlottesville 2017]… revealed to many of us the remnants of slavery in our community and highlighted the necessity for repairing our the toxic results of what many see as America’s original sin: the enslavement of millions of people of African descent” 

 Dr Alvin Edwards, Pastor of Mount Zion First African Baptist Church

After the service, Dr Alvin Edwards shared with us his own personal story. Something which stuck with me was that even when there are challenges which seem impossible to overcome, one must face up to them. He talked to us about his family history, his parents leaving Mississippi and settling not far from Chicago. He told us about his experiences of racism when attending high school - and told us that in spite of the challenges, he faced up to them. 

In the service, the pastor openly reached out to each member of the congregation, and his words that we must to find “joy” and show small gestures of it in our lives landed a powerful note. Referencing the turbulent events and shocking events of summer 2017 he spoke about the prevalent injustice and racism that still lies at the heart of society in Charlottesville, Virginia. His message about confronting injustice and racism was a powerful one: he said that the way forward is to engage in dialogue and that we must avoid pre-conceived judgements of a person based on their race. It is only through meeting someone and seeing what they are like for ourselves, we can make real progress as a society. 

We informed him of why we had decided to come to the church and stop there on our road trip and told him we had come from London. Unprompted, he insisted we stay and offered us lunch - this act of kindness and generosity was particularly moving. 

We stayed for a lunch consisting of traditional southern fried chicken, rice, pasta, followed by a delicious dessert of cookies and fruit salad. Perhaps the most moving part of this visit was that the church staff invited us to sing a song from the movement that they would sing together as they walked along the streets as a means to keep themselves going and maintain a sense of hope. We collectively sang, as we followed the lead of the pastor's wife, and clapped along as we imagined we were on the streets, marching for freedom and rights. It was so powerful and meaningful. I’m not sure I had experienced anything quite like this before but it filled me with such pleasure to have been able to have shared the company of these individuals. Their kindness and open generosity was something I’m not sure I had experienced before; they embraced us and treated us as if we were one of their own. Their actions acted as a reminder that we must try to show small acts kindness and generosity whenever we can. This experience will undoubtedly stick with me forever. 

Words by Erin, Year 12

Today was day filled with driving and religion. We set off from Charlotte, North Carolina at 5 this morning and made it just in time for the service in Mount Zion African Baptist Church held by Pastor Alvin. 

The service was both moving and intriguing as the Pastor really captured your attention with his charismatic speech on Great Joy. 

During the service he asked for Emma to introduce us, the guests. During this she outlined the reason for our visit and briefly mentioned the fact that we had left at 5 am just for the service. This shocked both the members and the pastor who then questioned whether we had had any breakfast. Emma responded that no we hadn’t had the time to have breakfast this morning but that we had stopped for some snacks on the way. This was not okay. The Pastor quickly set off, asking the members of the church, to make sure we would be fed before we would head off again. 

After around half and hour, spent speaking with kind and welcoming members of the church and a speech and conversation with the pastor (were we got told of all the amazing things he has done through his life and the spectacular people he has met, one of which is Gorbachov) we headed into the dining room. Here we were met with smiles and some of the best tasting food I have long tasted. Fried chicken, green beans, rice and Pasta Alfredo, all seasoned to perfection. The church insisted that we couldn’t help with anything and that they would pay for it aswell. 

At the end of our stay at the church we sung a song. This song was called “We shall not be moved” this song was really something special and was so much fun. 

After the church we said out goodbyes and got on the road to DC. The church was really a special place and we were met with nothing less than open arms and smiling faces. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to meet with such amazing people.