the Race Relations Tours Founding Story

race relations tours began with a dialogue between two ministries…

Early ideation

The Journey Begins

The Founding Team

The dedicated committee that brought this vision to life included members from Baptist Grove Church and St. Francis of Assisi: bj Avent-Farmer, Becky Cawley, Leon Cooke, Keith Shannon, Tobi Shannon, Dr. Trevor Thompson, and Paul Williams. Together, they crafted the mission and vision, selected the Biblical verse guiding the organization, and engaged their families, church communities, and supporters—laying a foundation for future growth.

Preparation & Scholarship

During the planning process, the committee engaged in rigorous study, reading extensively about racial reconciliation and learning from esteemed scholars, including:

  • Reverend Dr. Jonathan C. “Jay” Augustine, former Pastor of St. Joseph’s AME Church in Durham, NC

  • Reverend Dr. Quincy Scott, Jr., former Dean of the Chapel at Shaw University and Retired Chaplain (COL), US Army

Their expertise and insights reinforced RRT’s commitment to truth, justice, and reconciliation.

Moving Forward

Race Relations Tours (RRT) was born from a dialogue between the Social Justice Ministries of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church and Baptist Grove Church in Raleigh, North Carolina. In the spring of 2021, RRT was officially registered as an LLC in North Carolina.

Recognizing the ongoing need to promote racial awareness, strengthen community bonds, and foster reconciliation, a group of parishioners from both churches came together with a bold vision. What began as thoughtful discussion evolved into action—an effort to create a transformative tour experience that encourages shared learning, meaningful engagement, and unity.

Through dedicated time, education, and prayer, the committee shaped a mission that could be replicated to foster improved race relations for all who support, encourage, and participate. Guided by a strong vision and a foundational Biblical verse, the concept for a vibrant Civil Rights Pilgrimage (CRP) took shape.

In August 2021, RRT announced its inaugural pilgrimage, opening online registration in September. The first tour—a five-day, four-night journey exploring pivotal sites in the history of civil rights—was originally set to launch in March 2022. However, with the continued impact of COVID-19, the pilgrimage was postponed. Despite the delay, the committee remained steadfast, continuing to meet, pray, and refine their vision, ensuring that the journey would one day become a reality.

In the spring of 2023, RRT successfully launched its inaugural Social Justice Race Relations Tour, selecting a series of historic locations, including:

  • Martin Luther King Center

  • Southern Christian Leadership Conference

  • The National Memorial for Peace and Justice & The Legacy Museum

  • Freedom Rides Museum

  • Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church

  • Rosa Parks Museum

  • Alabama State University

  • Edmund Pettus Bridge

  • Birmingham Civil Rights Institute

  • 16th Street Baptist Church

With a clear purpose and unwavering dedication, RRT continues to advance its mission—empowering individuals and communities through education, engagement, and dialogue. The commitment to racial justice, unity, and cultural understanding remains at the core of Race Relations Tours, shaping every journey and every step forward.